TotalFutbolista

Devotee of the beautiful game. Watching the world play, one touch at a time. Aesthete and curator on @FIFACollect.

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

"In the philosophical way of life, there is always space. For everyone. And you're never sure what's the truth and what's the illusion." — Thomas Müller

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

https://t.co/YWZ6em2yvz

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

Watching last night’s World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Colombia, I was struck by the developing talents of Thiago Almada, who played an ornate one-two with Messi in a tight space in the first half, and managed a double nutmeg and goal in the second half.

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

And scoring that gem with one man down. It’s been rewarding to observe the young player’s evolution since his time at Atlanta United. Now at Lyon, he is getting nimbler and more skillful, more comfortable in tight spaces.

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

All said, I saw someone still intensely competitive who has begun to invite kindness into his footballing practice—with remarkable consequences for team play. I hope Yamal learns from this, and I hope @Cristiano continues to explore humility.

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

In watching @Cristiano's recent press conference on the eve of the UEFA Nations League Final between Portugal and Spain, I was struck by small signs of kindness and humility from the global icon that I hadn't noticed before.

[TotalFutbolista @TotalFutbolista]

These defensive moves—rare from CR7—contributed to Portugal's victory and acted as an ironic object lesson about the dangers of buying into hype, particularly hype about one's own talents. And it was a kind of redemption for a veteran whose speed and agility are fading.