2. The Disappearing Goal Scorer: Joe Gaetjens
Joe Gaetjens, the Haitian-born forward who scored the decisive goal in the United States’ 1-0 victory over England in the 1950 World Cup, led a life shrouded in mystery. After his playing career, Gaetjens returned to Haiti, where he became a prominent figure. However, in 1964, during the regime of dictator François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, Gaetjens was arrested by the Tonton Macoute, the paramilitary police. He was imprisoned at Fort Dimanche, a notorious facility known for its harsh conditions. Shortly after his arrest, Gaetjens disappeared, and his fate remains unknown to this day. Some reports suggest he was executed, but no definitive evidence has ever been found. His disappearance has been the subject of various investigations, yet the truth remains elusive (aljazeera.com).
