Former footballer's life is 'terrible,' says Dutch critic

A Dutch television critic has declared that being a former footballer is a "terrible existence." The critic, who admits to not enjoying football but appreciates the pre-tournament anticipation, finds the way former players' lives are marketed across various television formats to be excessive and tiresome.

The upcoming World Cup has spurred a proliferation of TV programs delving into the careers and post-playing lives of ex-footballers. The critic observes that these formats relentlessly exploit the narratives of these athletes, suggesting a saturation of content focused on their legacies and marketability.

While the critic's personal aversion to the sport is clear, the commentary highlights a broader trend in sports media. The focus on the "marketing" of former players' lives suggests a critique of how sports personalities and their histories are packaged and consumed by audiences, particularly in the lead-up to major international events like the World Cup.

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Being a former footballer is a terrible existence.