Ángel Fabián Di María
~El Fideo
Feb 14' 1988
Argentina
The Exhilarating Story...
Born on February 14, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, Ángel Fabián Di María's journey from a modest upbringing to international football stardom is a testament to resilience and determination. His parents, Miguel and Diana, worked tirelessly in a local coal yard to support their family. From a young age, Ángel and his two sisters contributed to the household, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family values. Recognizing his boundless energy, a doctor recommended that young Ángel engage in sports. This advice led him to football at the age of seven, joining the local club Atlético El Torito. His passion and talent for the game quickly became evident, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. Despite financial constraints, Di María's family prioritized his football aspirations. Their unwavering support culminated in his move to Rosario Central's youth academy at 13. This transition marked a significant step, as he honed his skills and prepared for professional challenges ahead. Di María's professional debut with Rosario Central showcased his potential, attracting international attention. In 2007, he signed with Portuguese giants Benfica, marking the beginning of his European journey. His performances there led to a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2010, where he achieved significant success, including a UEFA Champions League title. Throughout his career, Di María faced numerous challenges, from adapting to different leagues to overcoming injuries. His resilience was particularly evident during his tenure at Manchester United, where he navigated personal and professional obstacles. Each setback served as a catalyst for growth, reinforcing his commitment to the sport. Family remained a cornerstone of Di María's strength. His parents' sacrifices and his sisters' support provided a solid foundation. Additionally, mentors and teammates offered guidance, helping him navigate the complexities of professional football. In 2023, Di María made a heartfelt decision to return to Benfica, the club that had been instrumental in his early European career. Despite lucrative offers from other clubs, including those from Saudi Arabia, he prioritized personal fulfillment and a sense of belonging over financial gain. This move resonated with fans and underscored his loyalty and passion for the game. However, his journey was not without turmoil. In 2024, plans to return to his boyhood club, Rosario Central, were thwarted by severe threats against him and his family. These distressing events highlighted the challenges athletes can face off the field, testing Di María's resilience and resolve. Despite these adversities, Di María continued to excel. His performances with Benfica were stellar, contributing to the team's successes and reaffirming his status as a top-tier player. His journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination, support, and a steadfast spirit, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges. As of February 2025, Di María remains a pivotal figure in football, both for his club and the Argentine national team. His story is a powerful reminder that true success is not solely defined by accolades but by the obstacles overcome and the character built along the way.
“
I always try to help the team with assists, of course, but I also help in defence and try my best to help the team.
Career
Last updated: Feb 26' 2025
Rosario Central
- Career: 2005–2007
- Appearances: 35
- Goals: 6
Benfica
- Career: 2007–2010 | 2023–Present
- Appearances: 122
- Goals: 23
Real Madrid
- Career: 2010–2014
- Appearances: 124
- Goals: 22
Manchester United
- Career: 2014–2015
- Appearances: 27
- Goals: 3
Paris Saint German
- Career: 2015–2022
- Appearances: 197
- Goals: 56
Juventus
- Career: 2022–2023
- Appearances: 26
- Goals: 4
Argentina Football Team
- Career: 2008–2024
- Appearances: 145
- Goals: 31
Achievements
Benfica
- 1x Primeira Liga
- 3x Taça da Liga
- 1x Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira
Real Madrid
- 1x La Liga
- 2x Copa del Rey
- 1x Supercopa de España
- 1x UEFA Champions League
- 1x UEFA Super Cup
Paris Saint-Germain
- 5x Ligue 1
- 5x Coupe de France
- 4x Coupe de la Ligue
- 5x Trophée des Champions
Argentina U20
- 1x FIFA U-20 World Cup
Argentina Olympic Team
- 1x Olympic Gold Medal
Argentina
- 1x FIFA World Cup
- 2x Copa América
- 1x CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Individual
- 1x Argentine Footballer of the Year
- 1x FIFA FIFPro World11
- 1x FIFA World Cup Dream Team
- 1x IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the Decade
- 1x UEFA Team of the Year
- 2x ESM Team of the Year
- 1x UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season
- 1x UEFA Champions League top assist provider
- 1x UEFA Europa League top assist provider (shared)
- 1x Primeira Liga top assist provider
- 1x La Liga top assist provider
- 2x Ligue 1 top assist provider
- 1x SJPF Player of the Month
- 1x UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month
- 2x UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year
- 1x Primeira Liga Player of the Month
Celebrating
Kean
Football
May 08' 2025
Celebrating Talent & Perseverance Bioty Moise Kean.
Born on February 28, 2000, in Vercelli, Italy, Bioty Moise Kean grew up in difficult circumstances. His parents were immigrants from Ivory Coast—his mother Isabelle left his father early in Moise’s childhood, raising him and his brothers alone. The family struggled with finances, often relying on social services and temporary shelters to get by. Yet amidst the uncertainty, young Kean developed a passion for football that would become his refuge. Isabelle, a woman of fierce resilience, did everything she could to support her son’s dream. Even when there was no money for football boots or travel expenses, she stood behind Moise’s aspirations. Her sacrifices became the emotional bedrock of his ambition. She would walk him to training, work multiple jobs, and constantly remind him, “Your legs will carry you far.” Moise’s talent was undeniable. At just 10 years old, he joined Torino’s youth academy, and soon after, Juventus recognized his raw power and potential. He became the youngest player to debut for Juve in Serie A at age 16. But rapid success came with unique pressures—racial abuse, media scrutiny, and immense expectations weighed heavily on his young shoulders. One of the lowest moments of Kean’s career came in 2019 while playing for Juventus against Cagliari. After scoring, he was subjected to racist chants from sections of the crowd. When he calmly raised his arms in response, he was criticized by some—including then teammate Leonardo Bonucci. But Moise didn’t break. He responded with dignity, gaining global support from fans, players, and anti-racism advocates. This episode became a turning point in his maturity and resolve. Throughout his career, Kean has been fortunate to have key mentors. At Juventus, Gianluigi Buffon often acted as a guardian figure, reminding him of professionalism and composure. At Paris Saint-Germain, where he went on loan, Neymar and Mbappé welcomed him warmly, helping him regain confidence after a turbulent period at Everton. Their belief in him made a crucial difference. Representing Italy at youth and senior levels, Moise Kean felt both pressure and pride. He became the first player born in the 2000s to score for Italy. He carries not just his own aspirations, but the hope of a more diverse and inclusive Azzurri. His presence is a symbol of a new Italy—talented, resilient, and multicultural. Kean’s career hasn’t been without stumbles. Disciplinary issues and inconsistent form saw him criticized by clubs and fans. But recent seasons show a more focused player. He has publicly acknowledged his past mistakes and sought support from psychologists and mentors. His evolution is ongoing, and it’s driven by the desire to make his family and country proud. After spells in England and France, Kean returned to Juventus with renewed determination. The 2023–24 season saw him score crucial goals, regaining his spot in the squad and becoming a reliable forward. His fitness, mindset, and tactical intelligence have improved. He’s no longer the hot prospect—he’s now the experienced young leader. Today, Moise Kean uses his platform to inspire young athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. He regularly speaks about the importance of mental strength, education, and resilience. In a world where many gifted players are left behind due to circumstance, Kean stands as proof that talent + perseverance = destiny. Moise Kean’s story isn’t finished—it’s still unfolding. But his journey so far is a masterclass in bouncing back. He reminds us that even when your beginnings are humble and your path is rough, with the right guidance, grit, and belief, you can become the person the world never saw coming.
READ MORE
Celebrating
Lookman
Football
May 07' 2025
Celebrating Faith & Resilience Ademola Lookman.
Born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman was the child of Nigerian parents who moved to the UK in search of a better life. Raised in a modest household, his parents instilled in him a deep respect for education, discipline, and perseverance. But for Lookman, football was more than just a game—it was a lifeline. As a child, Lookman would juggle his schoolbooks and a football, sometimes practicing alone at local parks when academies overlooked him. His early teenage years were filled with rejection. Many top football academies in England didn’t see the "it" factor in him. The rejections could have broken him, but Lookman kept going—fuelled by sheer belief and an unwavering work ethic. His break came at Charlton Athletic, a club that took a chance on him when he was just 16. He balanced football and studies, earning excellent academic results while training intensely. Charlton's coaches were amazed at his pace, technical control, and hunger. This period marked his first step away from obscurity. By 2015, his senior debut at Charlton was turning heads. Everton came calling in 2017, signing him for a reported £11 million. The move was exciting, but with it came immense pressure. He faced inconsistent game time and had to prove himself again—especially in a system that didn’t always play to his strengths. Lookman’s time at Everton was a mental battle. But he didn’t isolate himself. Support came in the form of mentors, including senior teammates and coaches who urged him to explore loan moves for experience. That led to RB Leipzig, where he impressed instantly—scoring a debut winner and regaining his confidence. Switching national allegiances to Nigeria in 2022 was a turning point. Though born in England, Lookman proudly embraced his roots. He found a deeper sense of purpose wearing the green and white jersey. With the Nigerian team, he played not just for glory, but for identity, family, and the dreams of young African children. In 2023–24, playing for Atalanta in Serie A, Lookman began to shine consistently. His recent UEFA Europa League final heroics in May 2024, where he scored a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, stunned the world. It was the first-ever hat-trick in a Europa League final, making Lookman a continental icon overnight. Despite the fame, Lookman remains grounded. He credits his parents, youth coaches at Charlton, and mentors across Europe for his evolution. From playing street football in South London to becoming a symbol of hope for two nations—his is a story of resilience, faith, and grit. Today, Ademola Lookman is more than a player—he’s a beacon for every young athlete who’s ever been doubted, every immigrant family that started from scratch, and every child with a dream too big for their circumstances.
READ MORE
Celebrating
Guti
Football
Apr 28' 2025
Celebrating Loyalty & Elegance José María Gutiérrez Hernández.
Born on October 31, 1976, in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, José María Gutiérrez Hernández, fondly known as Guti, was a child destined to leave a unique mark on Spanish football. Raised by humble parents who deeply valued hard work and discipline, Guti’s upbringing was grounded in modesty, far away from the glamour he would one day experience. From an early age, Guti showed an effortless flair for football. But his path wasn’t as smooth as many imagine. Initially, he was part of Real Madrid's youth system as a striker. However, competition was fierce, and doubts about his consistency began to surface. Coaches worried that he lacked the killer instinct of a traditional forward, raising questions about whether he could survive in the brutal world of professional football. The emotional toll was heavy. Many times, Guti thought of giving up, feeling overshadowed by more aggressive, physically imposing players. However, two crucial pillars helped him stand firm — his parents’ unwavering belief and the guidance of academy coaches who saw a different light in him. They encouraged him to reimagine his role, shifting from striker to attacking midfielder — a decision that would later define his legendary vision and creativity. Adapting wasn't easy. Guti struggled to balance his natural instincts with tactical demands. Yet, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, refining his passing, positioning, and leadership. Legends like Vicente del Bosque and later Vicente Del Bosque (again during his coaching days) played instrumental roles in nurturing his self-belief, often reminding Guti that football isn’t just about power — it’s about intelligence, subtlety, and heart. When Guti finally broke into Real Madrid’s first team in the mid-1990s, he became a vital figure in the club’s most successful eras, winning numerous La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. His elegant through balls, audacious assists, and effortless style mesmerized fans worldwide. Despite often being in the shadows of bigger stars like Zidane and Raúl, true connoisseurs of the game knew that Guti was the silent engine that made the team flow. Yet, battles off the pitch persisted. Guti faced criticism for perceived inconsistency and occasional lapses in discipline. His journey serves as a reminder that success is rarely linear. Guti’s ability to reinvent himself — sometimes playing deep in midfield, sometimes as an emergency forward — showcased not just versatility, but a quiet resilience that earned deep respect in the footballing world. After an illustrious 15-year career with Real Madrid, Guti spent a brief but impactful time at Turkish side Beşiktaş before retiring. His leadership and passing artistry left an indelible impact wherever he played. Retirement didn't mean stepping away from the game — Guti transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant manager at Besiktas and later taking managerial roles, including a stint with Almería in Spain’s Segunda División. In recent years, Guti has embraced a quieter life but remains deeply connected to football, often sharing insights through media and mentoring young talents. His story continues to inspire — showing that even without the loudest voice or the most headline-grabbing moves, a player can leave a legacy through elegance, loyalty, and unshakable belief. Guti’s life reminds us that struggles aren’t signs to stop — they are signals to adapt. With the support of his family, the wisdom of mentors, and an internal fire to express himself uniquely, José María Gutiérrez Hernández carved a place in history not by force, but by finesse.
