Who Tells Your Story

     Your story may become a book or a series on a streaming platform. How would it be written? Which moments should be present? Which events were decisive and shaped important choices and decisions? Who else would appear as a fundamental part of that journey? And to whom would you entrust its writing? Who could tell this story in alignment with the true value of everything you have lived?

     Footballers from the most varied backgrounds have chosen to write about their own journeys. Their texts differ in style and focus, yet their messages often connect around themes of resilience, dedication, learning and overcoming adversity. Many of these athletes had already seen parts of their lives narrated by journalists through interviews and reports. Still, they chose to speak for themselves. They chose authorship - not only of their own story, but of the narrative that represents it. 

     Being an author is different from answering questions. It means organising thoughts, revisiting experiences and giving meaning to events. (Those interested in reading some of these stories will find texts by footballers on the website The Players' Tribune).

     The reasons for not engaging in this exercise are usually: "I'm not a good writer", "I wouldn't know how to do it", "it wouldn't be good enough", "no one would be interested". But if you have never tried, how can you be certain you are not capable? Where there are memories, lessons and lived experiences, there is material to be written about.

     From an early stage, the footballer is constantly exposed to analysis. Not only is technical performance assessed, but also personality, emotions and decisions - often imprecisely, and almost always shaped by the bias of the observer. (This theme was explored in our previous text, "The Game That Begins at the Final Whistle").

     Writing about oneself - telling one's own story - can be an effective instrument of self-perception and internal balance. It is an exercise that helps create inner stability amid the external turbulence that athletes face in their daily lives. A deeply enriching activity - more enjoyable and less difficult than it may initially seem.

     Naturally, the competitive level and results of experienced players differ from those still in development or at the beginning of their professional careers. Yet the ability to reflect upon one's own journey does not depend on age, fame or achievements. In this game, everyone can assume their place.

     Valuing your experiences and dedicating time to understanding them is a quiet - yet powerful - distinction. There is no bench here - you assume the starting position in your own story.  

At mfc program, we work on the athlete's balance and alignment with their own journey, strengthening identity, clarity, and positioning both on and off the pitch. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more about this work or discuss any ideas shared here.