To any young kid reading this…
I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in.
Ryman Prem.
Conference South.
League Two.
League One.
Championship…
And even right before my first Premier League start last night.
That’s not weakness.
That’s being human.
That’s being alive.
When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman.
Like they never felt doubt.
Like they never felt nerves.
The truth is…. it’s often the opposite.
Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok!
You now have to then step out there with courage.
Confidence feels good.
Courage doesn’t.
But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence.
Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years.
When it goes well:
I worked for it.
I earned it.
Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
When it doesn’t:
I know I prepared the best I could.
It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football.
But Well done.
Watch it back.
Get better.
That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night.
Leading the team out.
Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball.
Celebrates tackles.
Gives everything for the city of Sunderland.
And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One.
So if you’re a young player feeling doubt…
Low confidence…
Or like you don’t believe in yourself…
You’re not alone.
Every player feels it.
Confidence isn’t something you’re given.
It’s something you build.
Bit by bit.
Day by day.
With courage.
With work.
With learning.
Anything worth building takes time.
But that’s what makes it so worthwhile!
Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍
GARETH BALE:
"In soccer, there was a moment that changed the way I saw competition. While I was dealing with a chronic muscle injury that kept following me throughout my career, I received an unexpected message from Real Madrid’s fitness coach. He said, 'Leo is asking about your condition and wants to help.'
"What happened next? A personal call from Messi’s private doctor, offering me a tested treatment protocol, and sharing the same rehab exercises Messi used back in 2013. He also recommended a specialized clinic in Barcelona that treats many top-level footballers — where competition is as intense as it gets."
"That moment taught me that true professionalism goes beyond teams and colors. Greatness is measured by what you offer others — even your rivals. Messi is a human being before he is a legend. At a time when many see the Real Madrid–Barcelona rivalry as a war, Messi reminded us that football is a beautiful game. Some moments don’t need goals — just humanity.”
"Let's say, I'm a legend" 🤩
After 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur, Heung-Min Son was able to lift the Europa League trophy as captain, and sums up his time at the club 🤍
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK