Football, beyond being a game of strategy, athleticism, and passion, often serves as a powerful metaphor for life itself. In our new series, "More Than They Believe," we delve deep into the world of football to uncover the profound lessons it offers, extending far beyond the pitch. From the triumphs of victory to the trials of defeat, each article will explore how the beautiful game mirrors the complexities of existence and imparts invaluable wisdom for navigating life's challenges.
He wouldn't have won the World Cup in 2006 or the UEFA Champions League in 2007, nor would he be described as the best free transfer in history, nor would he play in the final of the UEFA European Championship in 2012 or the Champions League final in 2015 if he had taken a stance while feeling discouraged.
That person is Andrea Pirlo, who nearly retired after the 2005 final when his team - then AC Milan - dramatically lost, being up 3-0 then drawing 3-3 and ultimately falling in penalties to Liverpool. Pirlo commented on that defeat, saying, "The idea of retiring in 2005 after Istanbul dominated my thoughts. It was very serious at that moment."
The Italian star added, "I felt despair and weakness, and I thought I didn't have the ability to do anything again."
If the Italian maestro had given in and taken a stance while feeling discouraged, he wouldn't have achieved the historical status he did later. The world remembers him for his magical pass against Germany in the 2006 semi-final and his corner kick that led to the equalizer against the French in the final. He was a turning point in the history of wounded Juventus after the Calciopoli scandal and contributed to almost everything beautiful in modern Italian football history.
He achieved great status because he paused for a moment, canceled his decision resulting from a state of frustration, and advanced in the football world, acknowledging that loss is part of gain and that rock bottom is the first step toward the summit. He gave us a lesson in this life.
We must pay attention; we should avoid defeatist decisions while in a state of discouragement; we must endure. I don't mean surrendering is ever acceptable, but only, perhaps, when we have left our mood of frustration behind.
In personal life, ask any couple, and you'll know that they - deep down - have considered divorce several times, but they didn't decide in a moment of discouragement, so the relationship succeeded. As for those who didn't wait and decided in a moment of discouragement, they only harvested separation.