The world of professional sports is often seen as glamorous, full of prestige and wealth. While many athletes manage to handle the spotlight and secure their fortunes, not all are so fortunate. The stories of those who rise to the top only to plummet into despair are as heartbreaking as they are cautionary. Below, we delve into the sad stories of five top world-class athletes who, despite their immense talents and achievements, faced tragic ends.
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Sonny Liston (United States) - Boxing
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Achievements: Nicknamed "The Big Bear", Sonny Liston was a dominant force in boxing during the early 1960s. He won the heavyweight title in 1962 after defeating Floyd Patterson.
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What Went Wrong: Liston's life outside the ring was riddled with controversy and run-ins with the law. Despite his formidable presence in the ring, he faced problems with organized crime, allegations of match-fixing, and substance abuse.
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End: Sonny Liston died under mysterious circumstances in 1970. Found dead in his home, the cause was determined as a heroin overdose, though conspiracy theories and rumors persisted given the absence of drug paraphernalia at the scene.
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George Best (Northern Ireland) - Football (Soccer)
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Achievements: One of the most gifted footballers of his generation, George Best was known for his incredible dribbling ability. He played the majority of his career at Manchester United, winning two First Division titles and the European Cup.
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What Went Wrong: Best's talent was matched only by his penchant for excess. His struggles with alcoholism were well-documented, and it severely impacted his career and personal life.
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End: George Best passed away in 2005 from multiple organ failure, following a long history of alcohol-related health problems. He once famously quipped, "I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
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Diego Maradona (Argentina) - Football (Soccer)
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Achievements: Regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, producing what is arguably the most famous goal in football history along the way.
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What Went Wrong: Despite his brilliance on the field, Maradona battled numerous off-field issues, including addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as legal troubles and health problems.
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End: Diego Maradona died in 2020 from a heart attack, after undergoing surgery for a blood clot in his brain. His battles with addiction and health issues were constants throughout his later life.
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Alex Higgins (Northern Ireland) - Snooker
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Achievements: Known as the "Hurricane," Alex Higgins was a two-time World Champion in snooker and was credited with bringing a higher level of excitement and flair to the sport.
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What Went Wrong: Higgins struggled with alcoholism and was involved in numerous altercations and controversies throughout his career. This often led to fines, bans, and strained relationships within the snooker community.
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End: Alex Higgins died destitute in 2010 from malnutrition, linked to a long battle with throat cancer. His health had been in serious decline in the years preceding his death, exacerbated by his continued struggles with alcohol.
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Joe Louis (United States) - Boxing
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Achievements: The "Brown Bomber", Joe Louis, is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He held the heavyweight title for nearly 12 years, defending it 25 times.
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What Went Wrong: Despite his earnings in the ring, Louis faced financial troubles, exacerbated by issues with the IRS over back taxes. Additionally, he struggled with drug addiction in his later years.
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End: Joe Louis died in 1981 from cardiac arrest. His financial troubles had persisted until the end of his life, with him taking on various roles, including wrestling, to try and earn money.
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The tragic stories of these world-class athletes serve as stark reminders that fame, fortune, and talent don't always shield one from personal demons and external pressures. The challenges faced by these legends emphasize the importance of mental health, financial literacy, and having a supportive network in the cutthroat world of professional sports.
