Football and sports frequently astonish us with unique tales of talents rising to the top. However, there is always another side to the story. It is not uncommon for those destined for success to experience a drastic downfall. A notable case in point is Jose Luis Gomez, the former right-back of the Argentine national team, who currently works as a taxi driver.
His encounter with various twists of fate began after representing his country at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Subsequently, he earned a spot in the prestigious Argentine national team, sharing the field with Lionel Messi.
The elation from Gomez’s official debut for the national team in a friendly against Brazil in 2017 swiftly transformed into a nightmarish scenario. The right-back suffered a severe injury to his left knee. This injury had a lasting impact, preventing Gomez from reclaiming his previous form and excluding him from the squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
From that point onward, Gomez faced genuine trials, and his career approached its conclusion. According to reports from Ole, Jose Luis Gomez currently makes a living as an Uber driver.
“We have always been a modest family. After training sessions, he frequently used his car to earn extra income, even during nighttime,” shared his father.
In 2016, many envisioned Jose Luis Gomez as the future of the Argentine national team. He was anticipated to be the indispensable right-back for the “gauchos” for numerous years. During that period, Barcelona closely monitored his progress, waiting for the opportune moment to integrate him into their ranks.
Hailing from Racing’s youth academy, the right-back achieved success with Lanus, securing three trophies – the championship, the cup, and the super cup.
At the beginning of 2022, several years post the significant injury, Jose Luis Gomez had the chance to return to his hometown club, Racing. However, his contract expired in December of the same year and was not extended.
In addition to his role as a taxi driver, he presently works as a personal trainer. At 30 years old, the former teammate of Messi anticipates receiving an offer that could potentially rejuvenate his career.
His last official match in top-tier football occurred with the Lanus team in 2021 during the Copa Sudamericana – a 1-2 defeat to Gremio.
Jose Luis Gomez serves as a testament to the unpredictability of the sports world. Even the most exceptional talent with unprecedented qualities may not fully realize their potential, often due to factors such as a lack of discipline, a star mentality, or a severe injury.
