Football is all about life
Have you ever felt so alive that your heart leaps with pouring joy to celebrate life? Whatever the reason, such moments can transform your life, and that energy is infectious to those around you.
This is exactly how I feel about football. Football has changed my life. It has sparked my passion for living and spread a positive enthusiasm to those around me.
For many, football is nothing more than a game. Twenty-two players in a field competing to win a match under the watch of officials, with an audience cheering them on, either from the stands or through their screens.
Some people see football as a way to make a living, reaping financial benefits from matches and related activities surrounding football.
To others, football is love. They play, coach, or passionately support their favorite club, with match results or player transfers capable of instantly altering their day and mostly also their lives.
As to me, football is everything about life, and within it lies the values of life itself. Football embodies positive values that mirror life’s journey. Football is blessed with a beauty that is a gift from God, just as life is.
Some of the core values that football teaches us:
Beauty
Football has an undeniable appeal that draws in billions of people around the world. It acts like a magnet with an irresistible pull, even for those who may not necessarily like the sport.
The source of this immense attraction is the beauty it embodies. If we think about it, the “addictive quality” that makes us fall in love with football isn’t just the scores, the goals, or the glittering trophies.
The true “addictive quality” is a simple word: beauty. Yes, as a match is about to kick off, what we really hope for are the displays of beauty encapsulated in the language of football. The attractive plays, the thrilling moments, the heroic acts that draw cheers, applause, and amazement—these are what make billions addicted to the most popular sport in the world. At its essence, football is a series of displays of talent—a gift entrusted by God to individuals, polished and presented as a captivating spectacle for us all.
The beauty in football is, in fact, the essence of life itself. Life becomes fascinating, exciting, and thrilling because of the beauty it carries. Football players are, essentially, also actors in the grand play of life.
When we jump with joy celebrating football, we are, in essence, celebrating life.
Discipline
Discipline is one of the primary lessons parents teach their children. It is a critical element in shaping successful individuals, and it is also inseparable from football. Waking up early for training, choosing the right intake as an athlete, applying the trained skillset and game plan in a match, and maintaining professionalism—all these require discipline. There are countless forms of discipline in every aspect of football, from educational and amateur levels to professional ones.
Determination
Another value taught in football is determination—the refusal to give up. A true champion embodies this trait. A true champion isn’t just about winning once or twice, but someone who triumphs both on and off the field. An inspiring example for me is the legendary 1999 UEFA Champions League final, where Manchester United defeated Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion. Trailing 0-1 with just three minutes left in extra time, they showed the spirit of true champions—overcoming fatigue, frustration, and pressure, and turning those obstacles into an unstoppable force.
When they lifted the Champions League trophy, they didn’t just beat Bayern Munich; they overcame every expectation about how the match would end. Most importantly, they defeated their own doubts and fears.
Determination is vital for anyone climbing the ladder of success, which is often not easy and requires more than just skills. Determination supports one’s talents during critical moments and can turn unfavorable situations into victory.
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Respect for Others, Opponents, and Authority
In football, respect for everyone involved is paramount. At the highest levels of play, individuals who show respect for others gain admiration from spectators, opponents, officials, and their own teams. Sportsmanship is the foundational value that ensures integrity of the game.
Similarly in life, we often think of ourselves as the most important, disregarding those around us. But we must realize that without others—whatever their role—we wouldn’t achieve success. In football, a star player wouldn’t be where they are without teammates, coaches, officials, and even competitors.
Respecting authority and following established regulations is also challenging in football, but it’s essential. Rules are made to ensure balance across all aspects of the game, and without respect for these regulations, they would lose their meaning. The same goes for life; we often see rules as limiting our freedom. Yet, individuals, communities and even nations who uphold rules are often position theirselves closer to success.
Sportsmanship
A True Champion always upholds sportsmanship. True victory is not just about the final score or the number of goals. True victory comes when we give our best effort and respect the game itself. Winning is simply a byproduct of being a True Champion, not the ultimate goal. Many people chase victory at any cost, becoming blinded by the allure of superficial success, yet in doing so, they fail to become true champions.
A true champion isn’t defined by victory; instead, victory naturally follows the them wherever they go.
Love of the Game (and Life)
One characteristic of a true champion is undeniable passion. Love for the game translates into a love for life, generating an unstoppable enthusiasm both on and off the field.
During my time serving at Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI)I I had the privilege to talk to one of Indonesia’s football legends, the late Surya Lesmana. A few weeks before he passed away, he and another national goalkeeper legend, Ronny Pasla, suddenly visited my room in the office. I had the privilege to listen as they passionately shared stories of their days representing Indonesia on the national team. Even at the very moment they stepped into my office, I could feel their incredible passion for the game. It felt as though the entire room had come alive as the heroic and proud national football memories fill in.
Four days before he passed away, I met him again. As we parted, he repeatedly said, “I will never forget you. I will always remember you!” I was left surprised, not knowing the reason behind his gesture. His eyes, filled with passion, conveyed joy and left a lasting impression on me. This passion continues to live in my heart.
Passion for life can transform a person from the depths of despair to becoming a great leader. Passion spreads love and hope, and these are the forces that have the power to change the world. Football is about passion and love—both for the game and for life.
Football as a Unifying Force
There are many other values in football that are equally important in life. Football is a universal language that unites different races, nations, languages, religions, and all existing differences, making life even more beautiful. Imagine life without football!
For me, football is the perfect tool to train and shape successful individuals—especially for my great nation, Indonesia. Football has always been a unifying force, even utilized by the founding fathers during the fight for independence. It is our responsibility as the heir of the sacred independence to return football to its rightful position—to achieve one noble goal: ultimate victory in life.
Football is a very effective tool and medium for nurturing and shaping true champions of Indonesia and world—both on and off the field.
"Football is all about life. Get to know it; when you fail, improve. When you succeed, bring it to the higher level. Love life and most of all, celebrate life!"
-Marco Gracia Paulo
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