"I don't believe there is such a thing as a 'born' football player. Perhaps you are born with certain skills and talents"

The idea here is that being a great football player isn’t something you’re just born into. Sure, you might be born with some natural talent or skills, but that alone doesn’t make you a star on the field. It’s the hard work, the hours of practice, the dedication, and the sheer willpower that play the biggest roles.

Think about this: when Pele, one of the greatest footballers of all time, started playing, he didn’t have a proper football. He used a sock stuffed with newspaper or a grapefruit. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon—his greatness came from relentless practice and an undying love for the game. It’s a classic story of how determination and hard work can outweigh natural talent.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine you’re a kid growing up in a small town with a deep passion for football. You watch the pros on TV and dream of playing in big stadiums. You start playing in your backyard, maybe with a makeshift ball. Years go by, and you join your school’s team. You practice every day, rain or shine, while your friends are out playing video games or just hanging out. You study the game, watch every match you can, pick up tips and tricks, and work on improving your skills.

One day, a scout from a local club notices you. You’re offered a chance to train with them. And you seize it, putting in even more effort. Fast forward a few years, and you’ve made it into a professional team. You’re not the most naturally gifted player on the team, but you’re the hardest worker. You’ve out-hustled and out-trained everyone around you. And that’s why you’re on the field, living your dream.

Here’s a piece of advice: if you’ve got a passion, chase it with everything you’ve got. Don't rely solely on your natural abilities. Push yourself beyond your limits. Get out there and practice, even when you don’t feel like it. Learn from your failures. Every missed shot, every lost game is a lesson. Use those lessons to get better.

Imagine you’re training for a marathon. You’re not a natural runner, and the first few weeks are brutal. Your legs ache, your lungs feel like they’re on fire, and every part of you wants to quit. But you don’t. You keep running—short distances at first, then gradually longer ones. You tweak your diet, invest in better shoes, and join a running group for support. Months down the line, you cross that finish line. Not because you were born to run, but because you worked your butt off for it.

This journey of grit and perseverance is something everyone can relate to. Think of any skill you’ve ever wanted to master—cooking, playing an instrument, learning a new language. The first steps are always shaky. But with consistent effort and determination, you get better. You grow. That’s the core of it. Natural talent might give you a head start, but it’s the grind that gets you to the finish line.

So, if you ever find yourself thinking you can’t achieve something because you’re not “born” with the talent, remember—it’s the sweat and tears you put into your dream that truly make the difference.