So Brazil’s 1994 World Cup star, Bebeto, arrived in Jeddah to a hero’s welcome. He has come to play for Al-Ittihad Club after signing a one-year contract for $1.1 million.
Thousands met him at the airport while for two days the media, including the press and satellite channels, celebrated the event, bombarding us with interviews, comments and editorials. The middleman who arranged the transfer said it took three months of top-secret negotiations to finalize the deal.
All this aside and judging from the pictures of the player himself, it seemed that Bebeto was taken aback by the warm hospitality and tumultuous welcome accorded him.
Our media joined the mobs welcoming with a chorus of approval. It was clear they did not believe that a Brazilian player — who had spent most of his career traveling on three continents and jumping from one club to another and who was removed from his country’s national team in the 2002 World Cup competition — would come to play in the Kingdom.
I don’t want to spoil the happy moments being enjoyed by Al-Ittihad fans but I must point out that Bebeto is an average player when judged by European football standards.
Even his home country dumped him from international competitions. I regret to say that if Bebeto were still capable of putting on some convincing shows, he would not have been frozen out by so many clubs in Brazil, Mexico and Japan. The man has had his time and I hope he will not disappoint his new fans in the Kingdom. I hope he will lead Al-Ittihad from one victory to another.
If this were the welcome accorded Bebeto, what would happen if someone like Ronaldo arrived at King Abdul Aziz Airport?
No doubt the entire airport would be sealed off, the player carried on shoulders from the airport to the club and the news dominating front pages and primary time bulletins.
The reception Bebeto received reflects negatively on the local players. It takes 11 players to make a football team and for sure, Bebeto by himself hardly amounts to a complete team.
30 September 2002
