Motivation has a significant impact on the quality of performance across all sports. In fact, it is vital because it is the only influencing factor in sports performance that a player can control. Other factors, such as natural ability and the quality of opposition, are often out of the athlete’s control. That said, here is a collection of the most famous motivational sports quotes made by footballers.
“For sportsmen or women who want to be champions, the mind can be as important, if not more important, than any other part of the body.” – Gary Neville, formerly of Manchester United and England.
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” – Lionel Messi, currently playing for Barcelona and Argentina.
“The secret is to believe in your dreams; in your potential that you can be like your star, keep searching, keep believing and don’t lose faith in yourself.” – Neymar, PSG and Brazil soccer player.
“I just hate losing and that gives you an extra determination to work harder.” – Wayne Rooney, formerly of Manchester United and England.
“Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits, and get on with trying to win.” – Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina player.
“People react to criticism in different ways, and my way is definitely to come out fighting.” – David Beckham, former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England player.
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pele, legendary Brazilian player.
“My dad always taught me to never be satisfied, to want more and know that what is done is done.” – Thierry Henry, former Arsenal, Barcelona and France player.
“Your love makes me strong; your hate makes me unstoppable.” Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus and Portugal player.
“When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” – Diego Maradona, legendary Argentina player.
“We don’t even get food for 2 times a day, still I didn’t give up and continued to play football.” – Luis Suarez, currently of Barcelona and Uruguay.
“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” – Roy Keane, formerly of Manchester United and Ireland.
“Aim for the sky and you’ll reach the ceiling. Aim for the ceiling and you’ll stay on the floor.” ?Bill Shankly, formerly of Liverpool FC.
“I didn’t want to be the rebel who was bottom of the class, so I worked hard. They wanted me to stay on for A-Levels, but football came calling – that was my real love.” – Frank Lampard, formerly of Chelsea and England.