"Me gusta marcar goles pero también me gusta tener amigos entre la gente con la que he jugado."

Scoring goals and building friendships aren’t mutually exclusive. In the world of sports, and life in general, it's about finding balance between personal achievement and meaningful connections with others.

The core idea here is simple: while personal success is satisfying, the relationships we build along the way are just as important, if not more so. Think of it this way—what good is scoring the winning goal if you have no one to celebrate with? Personal glory can be fleeting, but friendships can last a lifetime.

Let's put this in a bit of historical context. This mindset is often echoed by many athletes and professionals regardless of their field. In competitive sports, there’s a lot of emphasis on individual stats and achievements. Yet, the most beloved and respected players are often those who can maintain strong bonds with their teammates. It’s not just about the scores tallied, but the camaraderie built.

Take, for example, the legendary Brazilian soccer player Pelé. He was known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, yet it was his sportsmanship and camaraderie that truly set him apart. On numerous occasions, Pelé emphasized the joy of playing with friends and the mutual respect shared among teammates. He understood that soccer is a team sport, and while scoring goals is thrilling, the friendships formed are what make the experience truly enriching.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, focus on being a team player. Whether you're on the field, in the office, or working on a group project, strive to support and uplift those around you. Celebrate your personal achievements, but don’t forget to acknowledge the contributions of others and share in their success too.

Imagine this scenario: You’re working on a big project at work, and you’re aiming for that promotion. It's easy to get tunnel vision and focus solely on your tasks. But think about this—if you take the time to help your colleagues, offer a listening ear, and build genuine relationships, you’ll likely create a supportive network. They’ll have your back, and in the long run, this network can be more valuable than any single promotion.

Here’s a relatable story: I once knew a guy named Jim who was an absolute star in our local basketball league. He was the top scorer every season. But Jim wasn’t just focused on scoring; he made a point to get to know his teammates, understand their strengths, and encourage them. One year, our team made it to the finals. Jim, as usual, was scoring left and right, but it was his leadership and the trust he built with us that led to our victory. We played not just for the win, but for each other.

The takeaway? Balance your drive for success with the effort to build strong, meaningful relationships. Winning is great, but having friends to share the journey makes it even sweeter. So next time you’re eyeing that big goal, remember to look around and appreciate the people beside you. Celebrate together, support each other, and you’ll find that success is all the more rewarding.