We know them as the major stars of the football world. We have applauded their goals, celebrated their wins, and cried their losses. For those who are true fans, meeting them would be a dream come true. Many of the football stars that we love didn’t have it easy. They had to fight their way to the top. They had to go against all odds to become someone and make their dream happen. Before they were introduced to the world as football prodigies, these people had to work hard for years, train non-stop, leave their countries, friends, and family behind without a coming back ticket. Keep reading to find out where your “role model” comes from.
Where Do Our Favorites Players Come From?
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Madeira (Portugal). He grew up in a hard-working class environment. From an early age, he was exposed to football by his dad who was the equipment manager of a boys club. He did not have an easy childhood. His father was an alcoholic and would eventually die from kidney problems. His mother worked as a cook and a cleaning lady to feed her children. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. In 2001, Manchester United paid more of all time. For all Madrid fans, Cristiano accepting the offer to play for Juventus came as hard news. When asked why he decided to leave Real Madrid, he said that he felt he was “no longer indispensable” in the eyes of Blancos president Florentino Perez.
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho came from a family of soccer players. He became part of the Brazilian team that won the 2002 world cup. His father was a former professional soccer player who died from a heart attack when Ronaldhino was just eight years old. Growing up in a poor neighborhood, Ronaldhino and his friends barely had grass to play. They played mainly on the sand. He quickly became one of Brazil’s most talented soccer players scoring 23 goals when he was just 13 years old. In 2003. his dream became true when FC Barcelona signed him. In 2011 he would go back to Brazil to play for Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro. But after some incidents happened his contract was terminated and it was then when Atletico Mineiro decided to give him another chance to make the 2014 World Cup roster
Lionel Messi
Leo Messi began to play football at a very early age. When he was 11 years old, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which required a very expensive medical treatment including the drug Human Growth Hormone. His family was very poor and did not have the resources to pay for the treatment. An Argentinian team was interested in signing Messi but did not want to pay for his treatment. But his dream would soon become true when he was given a trial with Barcelona. The coach was impressed with him and he offered him a contract written on a paper napkin in which he promised he would pay for his treatment in Spain. Ready to pursue his dream,
