There are some stories in soccer that inspire millions. How Lionel Messi almost lost his placement in Barcelona because of medical conditions and how Cristiano Ronaldo, who came from a middle-class family, built an empire in soccer. And these never took place in front of the camera.
But there are some stories that are happening right in front of fans’ eyes and motivating millions; whether it’s about the players with ADHD or the fairy tale of a world cup run by the Moroccan team.
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A few weeks ago, a couple of players talked about the struggles they had to go through being a professional soccer player diagnosed with ADHD. Again, inspirational for every soccer fan. One such story came yesterday from the 2nd tier of English soccer.
Soccer players becoming an inspiration for millions
This story is very recent. Yesterday, after the match against West Brom, Watford’s star midfielder Ken Sema won the hearts of millions of soccer fans. Here are a few reactions from his interview.
Great post match interview. Ken is an absolute hero and role model for children like my Son who love football and who stammer. Interviews like this give him so much confidence that he can speak beautifully and put his point of view across just like Ken. Thank you !!
— Gem (@gemstock11) February 21, 2023
Not a Watford fan but just see this and hope he gets all the praise in the world for this interview. Congratulations on a great game Ken and even better show of quality after
— Nahan Clerc (@Mrclear12) February 21, 2023
Pure class this lad!! Putting himself out there, showing whatever life’s difficulties you have thrown at ya you’re willing to show the world you can get through..for context Ken has a stammer and English is not his first language..
take a bow lad!! 🙌 https://t.co/cnTHnod2v2— Craig Toy (@craig_toy) February 21, 2023
Well Done @Semaken for doing this interview, I could imagine you had a thousand of excuses not to do it but you felt the fear and did it anyway!#itsoktostammer https://t.co/gMAu906KFf
— Chris Thebe (@ChrisThebe) February 21, 2023
this is some very important representation
i have struggled with speech in my life and i can imagine someone out there who’s had it much worse would look at this and feel moved by his success and bravery.
love this guy so much now 💙 https://t.co/AdkqDxGmok
— Reece 🖤 (@ReeceNuttall_) February 21, 2023
Had a stammer as a kid and would never have had the confidence to do this. What a bloke, all the time in the world for this https://t.co/NZ3ORJ76Ia
— Joe 🏴 (@joe121099) February 21, 2023
I think speaking with the media in any instance takes balls but Ken Sema speaks brilliantly here, while representing people with speech impediments. Love picturing someone watching this, who is able to see someone who is just like them, succeeding just like this. Class https://t.co/Br6BHv9QSJ
— Alex Deutsch (@alexdeutsch) February 21, 2023
This guy is a legend for doing this interview 👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/mfJjyS95IP
— DialSquare (@Abu6aker) February 21, 2023
Big applause for this. Can only give confidence & support to many others. It can’t have been easy 👏 https://t.co/mooTyqZj6G
— Alan Biggs (@AlanBiggs1) February 21, 2023
Not only did he inspire fans to fight against their limitation, but the man scored 2 goals against West Brom and looked like the premium soccer player he most certainly is. Countless are applauding him for his incredible comeback performance after an injury. But, mainly fans are talking about the display of absolute mental strength he put up.
Stuttering is a speech-related limitation, but the willpower the star must have needed to overcome that not only in front of a camera but thousands of fans. This mental strength is very reminiscent of the run the Moroccan team had in the world Cup 2022.
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The Qatar 2022 WC run of Morocco
In Qatar WC 2022, Morocco was in a bit of a tough group. With Belgium and Croatia, their chances of qualifying were slim. However, no one had any idea of the absolute terror they were going to cause in the tournament. With a draw against Croatia and 2-0 and 2-1 against Belgium and Canada respectively, the team qualified for the next round topping the group.
Surprising everyone yet again, they defeated Spain 3-0 in the penalty shootout after the match went goalless draw. Everyone thought the Cinderella run will be over as they were facing Portugal in the Quarterfinals. However, the team had one more surprise in them. They made Cristiano Ronaldo cry.
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He had to sit on the bench and see his dream breaking in front of his eyes. Even when he was subbed in, everything was over. They would lose to France in the Semifinals paving the most entertaining WC final ever. But it’s definite that this run will be remembered forever.
