In a surprising revelation, former football player Orlando Roccotelli claims that he invented the renowned ‘rabona’ technique and had the honor of teaching it to the legendary Diego Maradona. Roccotelli discussed this intriguing piece of football history in multiple interviews, shedding light on his journey and the genesis of the iconic skill. He stated, ‘I invented the rabona and taught it to Maradona; he said to me verbatim: “I’ll take it to a higher level.”’ Roccotelli reminisced about the moment they trained together, emphasizing that this technique later became a staple in football, showcasing the exquisite agility and creativity of many players. The rabona, characterized by a player striking the ball with the foot that’s behind the standing foot, first gained popularity when used by Maradona himself, further popularizing the skill in the world of soccer. Roccotelli’s claims, however, might spark debates within the football community regarding the origins of this widely-used technique. Regardless of historical accuracy, his story adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding one of football’s most stylish moves. The discussions surrounding this revelation continue to generate buzz, as football enthusiasts and historians alike ponder the implications of Roccotelli’s assertion.
