With the inception of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase 2, the Infinity Stones came to the forefront as Marvel attempted to plan a bigger picture connecting all the films of the franchise.
For the uninitiated, the Infinity Stones (or Gems as in the comics) are six of the most powerful artifacts of the Marvel universe. Having unique properties each, when the six stones are together, they can be used to alter, destroy or recreate the entire universe. If anyone possesses all of them he would become a God.
While the football universe and the Marvel universe are two entirely different worlds, what if they belonged to the same universe? Wouldn’t it be cool to have superheroes (and supervillains) wielding Infinity Stones and roaming around us?
Stretching the hypothesis further, what if footballers or managers were currently using the powerful Infinity Stones? And if they are indeed using the stones, who is using which one?
Here, we have attempted to contemplate how the six Infinity Stones could be secretly used in the football world without undermining any of the individual’s capabilities.
#6 Space Stone – N’Golo Kante
The Space Stone (or the Tesseract) appeared first in Captain America: The First Avenger and then in The Avengers. From what we have seen in the movies and in the comics, this stone allows the user to exist in more than one location. It has also been used to move any object anywhere throughout reality and warp or rearrange space, and at full potential, it grants the user Omnipresence.
N’Golo Kante has been a revelation since last season, and we think it's possible that the Frenchman is secretly using the Space Stone. Kante seems to be present everywhere on the field. Through the 90 minutes, Kante can be seen everywhere the ball goes, running up and down the pitch tirelessly – at times it seems like his side is playing with 12 players.
He had the highest number of interceptions and tackles made in the Premier League last season, and he surged forward to attack at every opportunity. Kante’s former manager Claudio Ranieri even commented, “One day I’m going to see you (Kante) cross the ball and then finish the cross with a header yourself.”
The 25-year-old moved to Chelsea after a fairy-tale season with Leicester City and has played every minute until now. His ability to be ‘Omnipresent’ throughout the pitch is evidence enough that he uses the Space Stone. There can be no other way, can there?
#5 Time Stone – Gianluigi Buffon
The Time Stone was seen in the MCU’s latest entrant Dr. Strange. The green stone allows the user absolute control over the past, present and future. It provides the user with visions of possible futures, the ability to see into the past as well as to manipulate the flow of time. It has also been used for time-travel and has the capacity to age and de-age beings. At full potential, the stone grants Omniscience.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his professional debut in the Serie A in 1995 when he featured for Parma. Back then, he was just 17 years old. Fast forward to 2016: he is 38 and still going strong, and intends to keep playing until the 2018 World Cup. Currently, he is the first choice ‘keeper of Italian champions Juventus and is the captain of both the club and the national sides.
Into his 21st year in professional football, Buffon is renowned for his consistency and longevity at the top-most level. Despite his large and imposing stature, the Italian is known for pulling off extraordinarily acrobatic saves using his quick reflexes and anticipation abilities. He is widely considered the best goalkeeper in the modern game.
All these things seem to add up to one and only one thing – he is using the Time Stone. Buffon is likely wielding the gem to keep himself from aging as well as for time traveling. We are sure about that!
#4 Mind Stone – Jose Mourinho
In the MCU, Loki’s blue-glowing sceptre housed a yellow infinity stone, which turned out to be the mind stone. Later on, in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, we saw Vision carrying the yellow stone on his forehead. According to what we have read in the comics, this stone allows the user to greatly strengthen and enhance mental and psionic power. It can also access all minds in existence simultaneously.
We have enough reasons to believe that Jose Mourinho has been using this powerful stone for the past few years. The Portuguese mastermind is considered one of the greatest managers of the game and has won every major trophy in his illustrious career. He is highly regarded for his tactical prowess and ability to adapt to different situations.
While Mourinho has been accused of playing defensive football to grind out results, he has always stressed the importance of winning games – no matter how you do it. He always seems to know what the opposition manager is thinking, and this gives him a certain advantage over the others. He is also always well informed about the opposition – as if he has access to their minds.
Outwitting rivals tactically comes as second nature to Mourinho. However, over the last one and a half seasons, it seems as if he has lost his mojo. Maybe he just needs to polish the stone a little bit, eh?
#3 Reality Stone – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Reality Stone or the Aether (the liquid form) in the MCU has so far made only one appearance, in the movie Thor: The Dark World. This red stone allows the user to fulfil any wish, even if the wish is in direct contradiction with scientific laws. Whoever possesses the stone is capable of doing things that would normally be impossible. However, the actual extent of its powers is unknown.
When speaking about doing things that would normally seem impossible, only one name comes to mind – Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This giant Swede has done the unthinkable so many times that it’s hard to imagine that he does not use the Reality Stone. Remember the incredible 40-yard back volley against England? Which player would even think of attempting such a thing in an international fixture? Probably someone who uses the powerful reality stone.
How many times have we seen Ibrahimovic scoring a ridiculous goal from out of nowhere? Scoring goals that seem impossible are just one of the many talents that this forward has. He is as cocky as it gets, as arrogant as one can be. And he has won a major trophy with every side he has played.
Zlatan is Zlatan and taking no credit from him, it is highly possible that the Swede secretly uses the Reality Stone. How else would you justify those spectacular strikes?
#2 Power Stone – Cristiano Ronaldo
In the MCU, the purple coloured Power Stone or the Orb made its first appearance in the Guardians of the Galaxy. According to the Marvel comic books, this stone accesses all power and energy that has ever existed. It allows the user to duplicate almost any physical superhuman ability, thereby granting near Omnipotence, and only a being of proper stature can wield it.
When it comes to superhuman abilities in football, the only name that pops up is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is, quite clearly, the one who has access to all the power and energy of the footballing world. His transformation from a skinny teenager to one of the strongest players around has been borderline unbelievable.
To score so many goals consistently for so many years at the top most level is not something that many can achieve. Ronaldo seems to be the embodiment of omnipotence in the footballing universe. And when think about it, Ronaldo is the one and only individual who could wield something as dangerous as the Power Stone.
How else would you justify someone scoring 50-plus goals in six consecutive seasons? There is not a shred of a doubt that Ronaldo wields the Power Stone, is there?
#1 Soul Stone – Lionel Messi
The Soul Stone is yet to make an appearance in the MCU. However, going by the comic books, this stone allows the user to steal, control, manipulate and alter souls, living or dead. It has been described to be a gateway to an idyllic pocket universe that is much like heaven. If any user were able to master this stone, he would be able to control all life in the universe.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as the best in the world, like ever. It has been said that watching him play is the most beautiful feeling in the world – some might even say it’s heavenly to see him play. Portuguese legend Luis Figo had once said, "For me, to watch Messi play is a pleasure – it’s like having an orgasm – it’s an incredible pleasure."
His wizardry, his mazy runs, his ball control leave everyone mesmerised. Defenders are left bamboozled as he makes his way through them. His left foot is magical.
Perhaps he is powered by the Soul Stone. What else could keep the little Argentinian going on year after year?
And if he does actually use the Soul Stone, so be it. At least we, the fans, can momentarily escape to a paradise, as we watch him play the most beautiful game on earth in the most beautiful manner possible.
