The phrase “God-given talent” was secularised as an expression of the inequality of talent. But the rise, in English football, of a superstar class of players of Caribbean and African descent, has rededicated the term.

Bach & Sons
Bridge Theatre, London

The phrase “God-given talent” was secularised as an expression of the inequality of talent. But the rise, in English football, of a superstar class of players of Caribbean and African descent, has rededicated the term. Multiple players now cross themselves before kick-off, and point above to a deity or dead relatives when they score or win.

In sport, though, no matter how much you love God, you may still miss a penalty or lose the match. In music – the art form most seeming to come from elsewhere – even atheists perceive that some seem picked out for improbable ability, regardless of preparation or position. 

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