My opinions of my favourite sports, favourite athletes, the reasons for my love and what it means to be a fan…
For me, it’s not just the skills, flair, glamour, name, fame, face of a person that counts, it’s much for than that.
My favourites are the people who inspires me, that means a lot to me through their positive actions, personality, character and humility. Those who show class both on and off the field. It’s not the looks that count, or the popularity, it’s much more than that..
People that expresses these things that I admire, those are my favourite athletes. In my heart, these are the people who changed my life, for the better, and motivates me when I’m down. Players that I have a lot of respect for. It takes more than a courageous heart to admit to one’s own imperfections, it takes more than classiness to show respect to all those around them, regardless.. but those who do, I respect with all my heart.
Some of these people that I admire may be on rival teams but I will respect regardless. I will not hate, I will not judge. I will not judge a book by its cover until I’ve read it. It’s a lesson I personally learned in life and something that is in my heart that you cannot truly realise or understand who someone really is like if you let your eyes be tainted by stereotypes and hate. Follow your intuition. I try to look for the good qualities in people before I make any sort of judgement..
And sometimes, well, and some of them.. they may not be perfect, they may have flaws, but who doesn’t? We’re only human, after all. I love them regardless of who they are. It’s their personalities that captured my heart. Sometimes, it’s people that reminds me a little of myself with their imperfections. Sometimes, it’s people with personal qualities I hope to achieve one day. Sometimes, it’s just people with who knows how to have fun and enjoy life for what it is, something I keep telling myself to do ;)
In the long journey called life, they are some of those who I look up to, as I find my own way in the world, to remind myself to never give up on my own dreams and work hard to achieve my goals.
So without further ado, I bring to you: a small list. Enjoy :)
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Football:
Lionel Messi, David Villa, Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fàbregas, Iker Casillas, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, David Silva, Fernando Llorente
(I made the list as short as possible! Although I feel really bad about leaving out some of my other favourite athletes, particular in the football section - I just had no choice but to stick to my top-top-top list to keep it short and simple… I know it’s still long.. but well, I tried :P)
We’re lucky to be able to witness such talent and heart in this day and age. My first and foremost favourite has to be Messi. He is just incredible. Extraordinary. Spectacular. His skills are out of this world but he is also very humble and down to earth. Despite his success, there’s no arrogance about him at all. It’s amazing to think he is only 24, a few years older than me, and yet has achieved so much! A wonderful footballer but first and foremost, a wonderful human being. A true role model. He speaks not just with his skills, but with his personality. The same can also be said for Andres Iniesta, or David Villa, for example. Players like them are the reason why I love the Spanish team, not just because of their beautiful football, but they inspire me to be better in my own life through their humility and hard working attitude.
Special mentions: Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and the France National Football Team from World Cup 2006 will always have a special place in my heart. I’m forever thankful to them for introducing me to football.
I also have a huge amount of respect for Raúl González. One of the finest players of the last two decades. Pure class. Even as a culé you just can’t deny the sheer brilliance of this man.
There are so many other players I like and admire for their individual qualities and personality.. there are others that are not on this list that I like and/or have a soft spot for.. [to be continued!] but for now, these are all I will put here :)
One last thing… you may be thinking.. “Gasp! How can you like Iker Casillas, David Silva & Fernando Llorente?! They’re from rival teams” —- I will explain: There are certain qualities about certain people that transcend borders of rivalries. I find it hard to ever dislike them how ever I try, and so easy to love instead.. For example, these three players are very classy people that deserves respect no matter what team you support. From a holistic, unbiased point of view. I really admire them. (Don’t forget, they are also an integral part of Spain NT!) I’ll just say it. I love them. Forbidden love it may be, but nevertheless. First and foremost, I am no fangirl. My love for certain players comes straight from the heart. Players from rival clubs that can surpass your expectations in ways not just because of their brilliant skills, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, because of the kind person they are, how they conduct themselves both on and off the pitch, the sheer amount of class, integrity, dignity they exude, deserves recognition, respect and acknowledgement, even as rival fans. As a football fan, I cannot help but appreciate so much of what different athletes contribute to the game as a whole. My loyalty will always be with my clubs, that will never change, but I am not going to deny liking people who deserves to be admired and whom I truly adore.
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Favourite coaches (technically not athletes but I want to talk about it - for every great pupil, there is a great teacher behind them):
Got to be Arsène Wenger and Pep Guardiola, with a special mention for Marcelo Bielsa. I love their dedication, passion, attitudes, efforts and the pure love they have for their club, their players and staff, the way they are able to instill belief in the team, maintain amicable relationships with players, create positive atmosphere in their team, as well as their brilliant tactics and minds.
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Tennis:
ATP: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Juan Martín Del Potro
Special mention: Andre Agassi
WTA: Li Na, Kim Clijsters
{ Note } I don’t hate or discriminate between these players, I love them all in their own ways, their different styles and games. Although I have my obvious favourites out of these players (Rafa) the exhilarating, beautiful and breathtaking art that is tennis will always come first before the trivial matters of fandoms. For me, tennis is a sport that should not be defined by the narrow borders of fandoms. It destroys the meaning of sportsmanship, which is something tennis have always conveyed.
If you would like to know why I could like Nole while also being a Fedal fan, check this post out and you’ll understand :)
When the conflict between tennis fandoms get to the point of breaking point, meaningless bickering, personal attacks, constant state of war… what are we really doing? Do we really enjoy this? Is this worth it? Isn’t the world full of problems already? If only we can all just smile, let go of the arguing, shake hands, sit back, relax and take things less seriously maybe the world will truly be a better and more peaceful place. No one can win forever, just as no one should lose forever. You win some, you’ll lose some. Take a cue from the tennis players and let’s use the positive things we’ve learned from watching sports in a good way.
{ Note } Last Updated: 18 April 2012
THANK YOU FOR READING!
