Maxim Tsigalko dead: Tributes pour in as Championship Manager wonderkid dies aged 37
Tsigalko was compared to the likes of Ronaldo and Pele on the game, but he never fulfilled his potential in real life
Posted Saturday, December 26, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk
Tsigalko never fulfilled his potential from the Championship Manager game
Championship Manager legend Maxim Tsigalko has died aged 37.
The Belarussian footballer became a cult hero in world football, despite never fulfilling his potential.
It came on the back of his stats on the 2001/02 version of the popular football management game, which made him one of the hottest properties that you can own.
But it was a different story for Tsigalko on the pitch, who never reached the heights of his potential, despite being likened to Ronaldo and Pele.
He started his career at Dinamo Minsk and although he won the league in Belarus in 2003, nothing came of the success beyond then.
Tsigalko would end up finishing his career in the lower leagues in his homeland, playing for Naftan Novopolotsk, Kaisar, Banants and finally Savit Mogilev.
He made two appearances for the national team.
Tsigalko's cause of death is currently unknown.
For years, Tsigalko did not know of his reputation on the game.
"Nobody informed me about the game, because nobody knew the game in my country back in the day," he said in 2018.
"I firstly learned about how good I was at the game when a Russian journalist told me so, and I was really shocked. He told me that I am the most popular footballer in the game. As soon as I heard it, I just waved my head out of disbelief.
"I didn't know the game existed, so I just laughed. Later on, I realised that I could gain much money off it, but it was too late.
"When I was 23, I had a serious injury, and I had to retire from football at the age of 26. I got money from football, but I could not count on it.
"Then I started working as a construction builder for $5 per day, and later for $20 per day. I was really tired of struggling. My back and my legs couldn't withstand such a heavy job and I had serious health problems."
A statement from Dinamo Minsk read: "Champion of Belarus, winner of the Cup of the country with Dynamo.
"We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Maxim... eternal memory."
Tsigalko was forced to retire from football in 2010 due to ongoing injury problems.
Tributes poured in on social media and one fan said: "RIP to the Championship Manager legend #MaximTsigalko."
While another added: "90s kids will never forget you legend RIP #MaximTsigalko."
A further tribute said: "RIP #MaximTsigalko. The best player in the history of all football manager games."
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