How Rene Higuita’s Iconic Wembley Save Influenced FIFA’s Rule Change
Rene Higuita, the Colombian goalkeeper known as “El Loco,” was not your typical shot-stopper. He revolutionized the game with his unique style of play and incredible skills. One of his most memorable moments came in a friendly match between England and Colombia at Wembley Stadium on September 6, 1995. In a dull goalless game, Higuita lit up the pitch with his maddening goal-line clearance using his heels in mid-air.
Higuita’s audacious clearance, known as the Scorpion kick, has gone down in football folklore. It was a moment of pure genius and showcased his ability to entertain the masses. Higuita’s unconventional playing style, which included scoring 43 career goals, inspired a new generation of ball-playing goalkeepers.
But what many people don’t know is that Higuita’s daring move was made possible by a FIFA rule change implemented in 1992. This rule change prohibited goalkeepers from picking up back passes, giving them more freedom to use their feet and play with the ball. Higuita believes that this rule change was specifically designed to accommodate his style of play.
According to Higuita, this rule change gave goalkeepers more opportunities to be involved in the game and prevented them from wasting time. It allowed them to showcase their footwork and not just rely on their hands. Higuita’s impact on the game can be seen in the playing styles of modern goalkeepers like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
During a recent meeting with West Ham’s goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, Higuita was praised for being a reference point for aspiring goalkeepers. His unique style served as a mirror for others to look into and draw inspiration from.
Higuita’s playing style was all about fun and freedom. He encouraged goalkeepers to play with a smile on their faces and express themselves on the pitch. However, it is unlikely that anyone will ever replicate Higuita’s skills and goalscoring record. He scored an impressive 35 penalties, seven free-kicks, and even a goal from his own penalty area throughout his career. Higuita currently sits fifth in the list of all-time goalscoring keepers, with the top four also hailing from South America.
While Higuita enjoys watching the current generation of top goalkeepers, he believes that they are still limited in what they can do with their feet. He would love to see them take penalties, go past players, and even score goals. However, he understands that everyone has their own preferences and style of play.
Although Higuita’s style of play wasn’t always successful, like his failed Cruyff turn at Italia 90 that knocked Colombia out of the tournament, he is confident that he would thrive in today’s game, especially in a team coached by Pep Guardiola. There were even talks of him joining English clubs like Newcastle and Arsenal, but his height became a factor that hindered those opportunities.
Higuita’s life off the pitch has also been full of challenges and controversies. He was briefly imprisoned in 1993 for his involvement in a kidnapping case related to drug lord Pablo Escobar. He tested positive for cocaine in 2004 and even ran for Mayor in Colombia in 2011. Despite these setbacks, Higuita has learned from his experiences and now lives in the present, enjoying life and not dwelling on the past.
As Higuita prepares to attend Colombia’s friendly match against Spain at the London Stadium, he reflects on his past with fondness but remains focused on the present. He believes that life is about living in the moment and embracing new experiences. Higuita’s impact on the game will always be remembered, and his legacy as an iconic goalkeeper and entertainer will continue to inspire future generations.