The Myth of Sisyphus

Sisyphus

Albert Camus wrote the philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus which explored the requirement for individuals to reconcile themselves to the absurdity and meaninglessness of the world. Camus elucidated his theme by considering the plight of Sisyphus, from Greek mythology, who was condemned for all eternity to push a rock up a mountain; this rock would fall to the ground each time he approached the summit.

The experience of the centre-forward in contemporary international football further explicates the Sisyphean nature of human existence. It used to be the case that no.9 was the most coveted jersey, and every schoolboy wished to be the goal-hungry striker for their favourite team. But tactical developments have now rendered the experience of centre-forward play much less grand. In days gone by, the centre-forward usually played with a partner who was either a solid target man or a skilful support striker. The centre-forward therefore received good service to help them in the pursuit of goals. Since then, defensive football has become more prevalent and the isolated lone striker is now the norm.

The role of the centre-forward is no longer to score lots of goals; it is merely to provide the apex of the team structure. The advanced midfielders who have the flexibility to operate behind the lone forward now provide the creativity and goals. The contemporary no.9 thus chases around applying nominal pressure to the defenders when they are in possession, provides flick-ons to nobody in particular, and generally provides “physical presence” which keeps the opposition centre-backs occupied. Teams that have had success without a striker providing many goals or palpable impact demonstrate the decline of the centre-forward’s individual role. Italy won World Cup 2006 without Luca Toni doing anything of note, whilst runners-up France had Thierry Henry gamely, but mostly fruitlessly, ploughing a lone attacking furrow. In club football, Liverpool won a Champions League without a decent, in-form centre-forward.

The experience of modern centre-forwards clearly compares to that of Sisyphus: their purpose has been separated from the tangible task of goal accumulation and is now a ceaseless treadmill of selfless bustle. Centre-forwards must reconcile themselves to the meaningless absurdity of “leading the line”, without understanding how their individual contribution really applies to the game.

Camus claims that Sisyphus is not a tragic character as he is free to accept the absurdity of his condition. So the modern centre-forward is perhaps in the most privileged position! Whilst advanced playmaking midfielders are presented with the illusion of an intelligible and meaningful world, the no.9 is exposed to life’s arbitrary emptiness. The awareness of this state can make the lone forward truly happy as they come to terms with the absurdity of existence within a vast indifferent universe. As Camus almost notes at the end of his essay: “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Heskey happy.”