Legendary manager José Mourinho has entered the contentious discussion on the greatest sportsperson of all time, selecting Olympic icon Jesse Owens as his preferred choice.
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The Fenerbahce coach made a surprising choice by selecting the American athletics legend over other superstars such as Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Pele.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the Portuguese coach elaborated that his admiration for Owens goes beyond his athletic accomplishments on the track.
“They did history and history that cannot be deleted. I would say Jesse Owens,” the Portuguese football coach added.
Owens solidified his legendary status at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he defiantly shattered the Nazi regime’s belief in Aryan supremacy by winning four gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler.
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Although many elite athletes have surpassed the astonishing performances of the American sprinter and long jumper over the years, Mourinho pointed out that Owens’ courageous stance for racial equality on the grandest stage cemented an enduring legacy unmatched in sport.
The surprising viewpoint of the two-time Champions League winner underscores how Owens’ heroic actions in Berlin fundamentally challenged intolerance, ensuring that his name will forever be engraved in the annals of history for reasons far beyond his remarkable speed and athleticism.
By singling out Owens, Mourinho has introduced a fresh perspective to the debate on the greatest of all time, equating societal impact and the capacity to effect positive change with sporting excellence.
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