important, impotent

Important or important describes something or someone of great consequence; something significant--
There will be an important meeting after work; I expect everyone to attend.
The game is important to him; we're all going to be there.

Impotent or impotent describes someone who is powerless, or who lacks force or effectivenes, physically or mentally--
His arm was still trapped in the rubble, leaving him impotent, and unable to free himself.
The argument with his boss left him in an impotent rage.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Football is very important to him; he feels impotent being unable to play."

Note--"importance" is the noun ( thing or idea ) form of "important", meaning of great consequence or significance--
I can't exaggerate the importance of good work habits.
Note # 2--"impotence" is the moun ( thing or idea ) form of "impotent", meaning powerless--
HIs unemployment left him with nothing but gloom and a feeling of impotence.