Featured Story
Celebrating
Palacios
Football
Sep 04' 2025
Celebrating Grit & Growth Exequiel Palacios.
Exequiel Alejandro Palacios was born on October 5, 1998, in Famailla, in the province of Tucumán, Argentina. His parents, Mariela Rodríguez from the rural area of Sumampa in Santiago del Estero and Luis Palacios from Tucumán, raised him in humble beginnings. When he was just two months old, his family moved to General San Martín in Buenos Aires. That move planted the early seeds of his future in a city with stronger football culture. Growing up, football was both escape and aspiration. Young Exequiel faced countless challenges typical to many young athletes: limited resources, intense competition, and the need to stand out to secure opportunities. Yet his talent was noticeable and his dedication unwavering as he rose through the youth ranks of River Plate. At age 17, he made his league debut for River Plate on November 8, 2015, entering the game against Newell’s Old Boys. It was a moment of vindication for years of sacrifice and perseverance. That breakthrough began a period during which he became instrumental in River’s success. In 2018, Palacios was part of the River Plate squad that clinched the Copa Libertadores. He contributed across 11 matches including the epic final against Boca Juniors. That same year, he earned a place in the South American Team of the Year, milestones that reflected his determination and progression. In January 2020 he took a major step forward by joining German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a long-term deal. It was a bold transition—leaving his homeland to embrace new challenges abroad. He helped his team win the 2023‑24 Bundesliga, Germany’s domestic cup, and Supercup, playing a solid role in their historic success. His national team journey faced a frightening moment in November 2020 when he fractured a bone in his spine during a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. Doctors anticipated a three‑month recovery. For most athletes, such an injury could derail a career. Yet Exequiel’s mental strength, along with medical and support teams, saw him return to top form. Back in full health he was part of Argentina’s Copa América victory over Brazil in 2021 and later contributed to their 2022 World Cup triumph. In 2024, he was again part of Argentina’s victorious Confederations Cup–style title, continuing his national‑team legacy. Most recently in August 2025 he returned from a hamstring injury and was named on the bench for Bayer Leverkusen’s match against Werder Bremen. His resilience after yet another setback shows his relentless spirit and readiness to fight for opportunities. This journey shows how drive, support, and vision transform ambition into achievement. That is where 8lete steps in as a beacon for young athletes. 8lete’s platform connects emerging players with mentors, training resources, medical support, and success stories like Palacios’s. By providing structured guidance and encouragement at every stage, 8lete can help talented youth navigate trials and stay committed to their dreams. Exequiel Alejandro Palacios’s story from a small town boy to a Bundesliga champion and World Cup winner embodies grit, community, and growth. It reminds us that with the right tools, support, and mindset, young players can reach elite levels. Through 8lete, aspiring athletes gain access to the guidance and infrastructure that turn potential into accomplishment. Let Palacios’s path inspire the next generation to believe, work, and succeed.
All Stories
View All
Celebrating
Palacios
Football
Sep 04' 2025
Celebrating Grit & Growth Exequiel Palacios.
Exequiel Alejandro Palacios was born on October 5, 1998, in Famailla, in the province of Tucumán, Argentina. His parents, Mariela Rodríguez from the rural area of Sumampa in Santiago del Estero and Luis Palacios from Tucumán, raised him in humble beginnings. When he was just two months old, his family moved to General San Martín in Buenos Aires. That move planted the early seeds of his future in a city with stronger football culture. Growing up, football was both escape and aspiration. Young Exequiel faced countless challenges typical to many young athletes: limited resources, intense competition, and the need to stand out to secure opportunities. Yet his talent was noticeable and his dedication unwavering as he rose through the youth ranks of River Plate. At age 17, he made his league debut for River Plate on November 8, 2015, entering the game against Newell’s Old Boys. It was a moment of vindication for years of sacrifice and perseverance. That breakthrough began a period during which he became instrumental in River’s success. In 2018, Palacios was part of the River Plate squad that clinched the Copa Libertadores. He contributed across 11 matches including the epic final against Boca Juniors. That same year, he earned a place in the South American Team of the Year, milestones that reflected his determination and progression. In January 2020 he took a major step forward by joining German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a long-term deal. It was a bold transition—leaving his homeland to embrace new challenges abroad. He helped his team win the 2023‑24 Bundesliga, Germany’s domestic cup, and Supercup, playing a solid role in their historic success. His national team journey faced a frightening moment in November 2020 when he fractured a bone in his spine during a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. Doctors anticipated a three‑month recovery. For most athletes, such an injury could derail a career. Yet Exequiel’s mental strength, along with medical and support teams, saw him return to top form. Back in full health he was part of Argentina’s Copa América victory over Brazil in 2021 and later contributed to their 2022 World Cup triumph. In 2024, he was again part of Argentina’s victorious Confederations Cup–style title, continuing his national‑team legacy. Most recently in August 2025 he returned from a hamstring injury and was named on the bench for Bayer Leverkusen’s match against Werder Bremen. His resilience after yet another setback shows his relentless spirit and readiness to fight for opportunities. This journey shows how drive, support, and vision transform ambition into achievement. That is where 8lete steps in as a beacon for young athletes. 8lete’s platform connects emerging players with mentors, training resources, medical support, and success stories like Palacios’s. By providing structured guidance and encouragement at every stage, 8lete can help talented youth navigate trials and stay committed to their dreams. Exequiel Alejandro Palacios’s story from a small town boy to a Bundesliga champion and World Cup winner embodies grit, community, and growth. It reminds us that with the right tools, support, and mindset, young players can reach elite levels. Through 8lete, aspiring athletes gain access to the guidance and infrastructure that turn potential into accomplishment. Let Palacios’s path inspire the next generation to believe, work, and succeed.
READ MORE
Celebrating
Senna
Football
Sep 02' 2025
Celebrating Support & Perseverance Marcos Senna.
Born on 17 July 1976 in São Paulo, Brazil, Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva grew up playing football in poverty, his earliest games woven into the rough streets of his youth. His story begins not in lavish academies, but with a passion that drove him to dream bigger. Senna’s start was far from spectacular. He spent his early career in the lower tiers, featuring for Rio Branco, Corinthians, Juventude, and São Caetano. These formative years were a test of patience, determination, and unwavering belief. In 2002, a modest €600,000 move to Villarreal opened a new chapter. Though coming late to broader recognition, he embraced it, steadily becoming the heartbeat of a rising club. Injuries could have derailed him. A serious knee injury in 2003, one of four he endured, threatened to halt his ascent. Yet with faith and resolve, he rebounded. Drawing strength from his Christian values, he leaned on inner peace during his recovery. What set Senna apart wasn’t flair but intelligence. His playing style was simple, direct, and effective. He earned trust through disciplined positioning, precise passing, and a calming presence in midfield. His humility shone through in an understated grace that defined his legacy. Naturalised in 2006, Senna joined the Spain national team. He played a pivotal role in their Euro 2008 victory scoring in the penalty shootout and anchoring midfield with composed authority. This triumph transformed both his career and legacy. Back at Villarreal, he delivered memorable moments like his “best goal of my life” scored from inside the centre circle against Real Betis and captained the side through highs and lows, including relegation and resurgence. Later, he returned as the club’s director of international relations, continuing to inspire. Behind Senna’s resilience were companions, coaches, and inner convictions - Luis Aragonés who invited him to Spain, teammates who trusted him, mentors in faith. These networks buoyed him through every stumble and success. The lessons from Senna’s path resonate: Embrace humility and grind Lean on faith or values during adversity Let mentors and community guide you Play with clarity, not flash 8lete embodies these principles providing young athletes with mentorship, tailored guidance, and the mental resilience to thrive, just as Senna did. At 8lete, we believe in building journeys, not just talents. Like Senna overcoming his early anonymity, injuries, and late bloom into international acclaim, young players today need not be defined by where they begin, but by how they grow with support, perseverance, and smart training.
READ MORE
Celebrating
Gio
Football
Sep 01' 2025
Celebrating Courage & Perseverance Giovani Lo Celso.
Giovani Lo Celso was born on April 9, 1996, in the vibrant football city of Rosario, Argentina - a place that has produced legends and instilled a deep footballing passion in him from childhood. He is the third child of Sandra and Juan Lo Celso, growing up with two older sisters and a younger brother, Francesco, who also went on to become a professional footballer. From an early age, Giovani was immersed in football culture. Rosario’s streets and local pitches shaped his ambition. At just 14, he joined Rosario Central’s youth academy, dedicating himself to nurturing raw talent into refined skill. By age 19, Giovani made his senior debut for Rosario Central. His breakthrough season featured a first senior goal, memorable match moments, and steadily rising recognition across Argentina’s top league. In 2016 he signed with Paris Saint-Germain, a dream move that positioned him among world‑class stars. While the transition was thrilling, adapting to life abroad required resilience amid limited opportunities. Seeking more playtime, he moved on loan to Real Betis in 2018. There, he rediscovered his form, showcasing leadership and flair and convincing the club to sign him permanently. A loan to Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 became permanent. Though marked by flashes of brilliance - including Champions League moments and Premier League goals - his time in London was disrupted by injuries and a feeling of disconnection from the team’s core. In August 2024, Giovani returned to Real Betis. Instantly impactful, he scored in successive matches and reclaimed his confidence. Under coach Manuel Pellegrini, he flourished in a nurturing, family‑like environment. By August 2025 he had emerged as a leader on the field - motivating teammates, scoring vital goals, and embodying the spirit of Betis as the team began a new chapter of ambition and unity. Just recently, Giovani delivered a precise corner that led to a headed goal in a 1‑1 draw against Celta Vigo, adding to his tally of goal involvements in the early season. Giovani’s journey exemplifies how the right support system transforms potential into greatness. 8lete mirrors this by offering personalized training plans, mentorship, mental resilience coaching, and holistic development helping aspiring athletes navigate setbacks, harness their strengths, and rewrite their story, much like Giovani did. Giovani Lo Celso’s path from Rosario’s local fields to European finals, marked by personal struggle, reinvention, and leadership resonates with any young player chasing dreams. It shows that perseverance, guided support, and the courage to embrace new beginnings can ignite a fulfilling career.
READ MORE
Celebrating
Tchoua
Football
Aug 25' 2025
Celebrating Support & Resilience Aurélien Tchouaméni.
When Aurélien Djani Tchouaméni was born on 27 January 2000 in Rouen, France, few could foresee the tremendous impact he would later have in world football. Though born in Normandy, he grew up in Bordeaux after his parents moved there for work. His father and mother, both originally from Cameroon, gained French nationality later that year. Even as a young child, Aurélien’s vitality and dedication were evident as he began playing football at age five with a local club and, by eleven, had joined the famed Bordeaux academy. Aurélien’s upbringing was defined by two guiding figures. His father and mother - his father named Fernand, his mother Josette - instilled in him values of attention and perseverance. His father worked in pharmaceuticals, his mother was an educational counselor, and they encouraged Aurélien to pursue excellence, whether in football or in life. The path was not easy. Navigating life between cultures and repeatedly adapting to new environments taught Aurélien early on that resilience matters. In Bordeaux’s youth system, he evolved from attacker to midfielder, learning to see the game differently and develop mental strength alongside skill. In November 2017, at just 17, Aurélien signed his first professional contract with Bordeaux. He made his debut in a UEFA Europa League match the next summer, and scored his first senior goal shortly after. But life as a young footballer was challenging. He had to prove himself professionally, pushing through doubts and competition for playing time. A turning point came in January 2020, when Monaco signed him. Despite the pressure of a high-level club move, Tchouaméni shone. He earned Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in the 2020–21 season and was named in the league All‑Star team. This success reflected his technical growth, tactical intelligence, and a work ethic rooted in the values that his parents instilled in him. In 2022, Real Madrid acquired him for around €80 million. At such a storied club, expectations were sky‑high. Aurélien faced new struggles. He was sometimes deployed in unfamiliar defensive roles, experienced doubtful performances, and even endured boos from the home crowd. Yet, these obstacles became opportunities. They cultivated his mental strength and adaptability. Resilience proved transformative. After a low‑point marked by harsh criticism and positional uncertainty, Aurélien reorganized himself. With the support of a mental coach and strong teammates and coaches, he rebuilt confidence. His return to form was clear: he became one of the most used players by his coach, reinvented himself as a hybrid defensive midfielder/center‑back, and regained the trust of Real Madrid’s fans. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, he has become a tactical lynchpin. Alonso values his adaptability, combining midfield and defensive duties with ease. Training sessions with video analysis and his own discipline - he even plays the piano for concentration training - have helped him excel in this hybrid role. He is now seen as a foundational pillar for Madrid’s ambitions in the 2025‑26 season. Most recently, Aurélien spoke of the team’s mindset: Real must perform at the highest level to win trophies, and he hopes they will lift many this season. His words reflect a maturity forged by struggle and growth. What lessons can young players take from Aurélien’s journey? That success is rarely linear. It is born from talent, yes, but also from resilience, the right support, adaptability, and mental training. That is precisely where 8lete can make a difference. By combining technical training with psychological coaching, flexible positional development, and personalized video feedback, 8lete helps young athletes build the same foundation that took Aurélien from Rouen grassroots to Madrid greatness.
READ MORE
Celebrating
El Apache
Football
Aug 23' 2025
Celebrating Focus & Dreams Carlos Tévez.
Carlos Alberto Tévez was born on February 5, 1984, in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires, and grew up in the notoriously tough neighbourhood known as Fuerte Apache. As a young child, he suffered severe burns when boiling water splashed onto his neck and chest. Hospitalised in intensive care for months, the resulting scars became part of his identity and he refused cosmetic treatment later on, saying they were himself then and himself now. Originally named Carlos Alberto Martínez after his mother, he was born to young parents - Juan Alberto Cabral and Fabiana “Trina” Martínez - but was raised by his maternal aunt Adriana Noemí Martínez and her husband Segundo Raimundo Tévez. They gave him the surname he’s known by today. Fuerte Apache presented daily challenges - poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. Yet even in that adversity, Carlos found an escape in local pitches. He began playing for Estrellas del Uno, Santa Clara, and Villa Real before joining All Boys’ youth system and eventually being scouted by Boca Juniors. At 16, Tévez made his debut for Boca Juniors, kickstarting a stellar rise. With Boca, he won the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup in 2003. Despite offers for plastic surgery to remove his scars, he declined, embracing the part of life that had forged his resilience. His success continued at Corinthians in Brazil, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, and beyond - bringing Premier League titles, Serie A triumphs, and Champions League glory. On the international stage, he won Olympic gold in 2004 and represented Argentina at multiple World Cups and Copa América tournaments. Behind every ascent were the people who believed in him - adoptive parents who supported him, coaches who nurtured his talent, and teammates who fought alongside him. More importantly, his own determination and refusal to let his scars define him became his greatest allies. After retiring in June 2022, much of his heart returned to Argentina. He took managerial roles at Rosario Central and Independiente before stepping into a key role at Talleres de Córdoba in July 2025, tasked with lifting a struggling team and inspiring a new generation. In June 2025, Tévez stunned at the Soccer Aid charity match, scoring four goals in just ten minutes to lead the World XI to a dramatic comeback at Old Trafford. The performance reignited memories of his brilliance even British boxing champion Tyson Fury praised his timeless impact. Tévez’s journey shows that true champions emerge from hardship, powered by grit, pride, and support. At 8lete, we believe that young athletes no matter their starting point - can reach greatness with the right training, community, and mental resilience. Tévez’s story reminds us how robust support systems and self-belief can turn raw talent into global legacy. Whether you’re a young player in a tough neighbourhood or facing personal challenges, remember Tévez’s example: scars don’t hide your strength - they reveal it. With focus, mentors, and platforms like 8lete, your dreams are closer than they seem. Take that first step - your own legend awaits.
