Wonderful quotes and sayings

Their play and way of life captivate the world! Memorable quotes from soccer players

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.

When it comes to sports with passionate fans all over the world, soccer immediately comes to mind.

From players’ mesmerizing super plays to intricate tactics, the highlights are countless.

This time, we’ve compiled a list of famous quotes from star players who shine in the world of soccer.

These are words only they could say—tempered by grueling training and fierce matches, and backed by the popularity they’ve earned.

You’ll also see that these players are human just like us, and it’s precisely because they struggled in the same ways that they are where they are today—so don’t miss it!

Their play and way of life captivate the world! Famous quotes from soccer players (11–20)

Even if your dream doesn’t come true, the person you become after your efforts will be waiting for you.Yuto Nagatomo

Despite being 38, Yuto Nagatomo was called up to the Japan national team in 2024.

His powerful play that leads teams to victory and his positive personality—sometimes dubbed a “mental monster”—are inspiring just to watch.

This quote reflects his words and his characteristically positive mindset.

Most people feel down when their dreams are shattered, but it’s true that the growth you’ve achieved remains.

Thinking that way makes you want to take on something new again.

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If you’re not always prepared, you’ll miss your chance when it comes.Shunsuke Nakamura

Speaking of Shunsuke Nakamura, he’s known as the first player in J.League history to win MVP multiple times.

Here are some famous words from Nakamura, whose kicks were said to be “art born from a golden left foot.” “If you’re not always prepared, you’ll miss your chance when it comes.” Nakamura battled not only in Japan but also in Italy, Scotland, and Spain.

Behind that was the daily effort he put in to seize his opportunities.

Let’s prepare little by little and move closer to our goals so that tomorrow’s self is more developed than today’s.

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If you work hard, will you be rewarded? That’s not it. You keep working hard until you’re rewarded.Lionel Messi

Messi’s famous quote: If you work hard, will you be rewarded? That’s not it—you keep working hard until you’re rewarded. #QuoteSeries #Quotes #WordsOfGreatPeople

If you work hard, will you be rewarded? That’s not it. You keep working hard until you’re rewarded. Lionel Messi

Watch on YouTube: “If you work hard, will you be rewarded? That’s not it. You keep working hard until you’re rewarded. — Lionel Messi”

An athlete from Argentina often called the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi.

His message, “Do you succeed if you work hard? That’s not it—you work hard until you succeed,” truly reflects a career in which he has won countless titles in soccer.

You can’t reach your dreams without effort, yet it’s also true that not everyone who works hard will achieve their dreams.

Even so, this quote pushes us forward, reminding us that as long as we’re pursuing our dreams, we must keep putting in the effort.

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Hoshino Takashi

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To become the best in the world, you need world-class effort.Keisuke Honda

Keisuke Honda's quote: "To become the best in the world, you need world-class effort."

To become the best in the world, you need world-class effort. Keisuke Honda

Keisuke Honda is known as a former member of Japan’s national soccer team and is currently an active professional player who effectively serves as the owner of several professional clubs.

His famous quote, “To become the best in the world, you need to make the world’s best effort,” is a message that only someone like Honda—who has literally competed on the world stage—could truly convey.

If you place yourself in a world where rankings and hierarchies exist, it’s natural that everyone strives to reach the top.

Within that baseline of effort, to actually become number one, you have to work the hardest.

It sounds simple when put into words, but it’s something we tend to forget.

That’s why this quote is one I hope anyone with dreams or goals will engrave in their heart.

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Hoshino Takashi

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In conclusion

This time we introduced memorable quotes from soccer players who are active both in Japan and abroad—what did you think? Each one is filled with powerful words that convey an indomitable fighting spirit, isn’t it? I hope they give you a push when you’re about to take on something you’d nearly given up on, or when you’re thinking of starting something new.