The Last Save of Moacyr Barbosa - Scapegoats and Sacrifices

Scapegoats and Sacrifices

The religious imagery of the scapegoat is also considered. Although Barbosa was to continue playing soccer, his days on the national team were over, and his name reviled. For the rest of his life, he was often seen as the man who choked- forever, The Unforgiven. In quasi-religious terms, the ancient role of scapegoat was to be sacrificed, to restore balance to the ruptured community. Barbosa fit the bill, and his dark skin capped the comparison, a stark reminder of the sin of losing. Barbosa was one of Brazil's few visibly black goalkeepers and Brazil was not to have another for 50 years.

In Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano's 1999 book, "Soccer in Sun and Shadow" Barbosa is quoted as saying "even a criminal when he has served his time, and paid his debt, is forgiven. But I have never been forgiven.."