Ante Budimir
~Budimir
Jul 22' 1991
Croatia
The Exhilarating Story...
Ante Budimir's journey from the war-torn streets of Zenica to becoming a celebrated striker for CA Osasuna is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the unwavering human spirit. Born on July 22, 1991, in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Budimir's early life was marked by the challenges of growing up during tumultuous times. Despite these hardships, he found solace and purpose in football, a passion that would chart the course of his life. Details about Budimir's parents remain private, but it's evident that their support played a crucial role in his formative years. Their encouragement allowed him to pursue his dreams, even when the path seemed uncertain. Starting his professional career with NK Radnik Sesvete, Budimir's talent was undeniable. However, like many athletes, he faced periods of doubt and setbacks. His stint with FC St. Pauli in Germany during the 2014-15 season was particularly challenging, as he struggled to find the back of the net, leading to questions about his future in top-tier football. Yet, Budimir's determination never wavered. A pivotal moment came when he joined FC Crotone in Italy's Serie B. Here, he rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 16 goals in 40 appearances and playing a significant role in the club's promotion to Serie A. This resurgence was not solely his own doing; coaches, teammates, and mentors provided guidance and belief, reinforcing the adage that while talent is innate, success is a collective effort. In 2020, Budimir's career took another significant turn as he joined CA Osasuna in Spain's La Liga. His impact was immediate. By January 2025, he had etched his name in the club's history books, becoming Osasuna's top foreign goalscorer with 60 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Jan Urban. This achievement was not just a personal milestone but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide. Beyond the pitch, Budimir's character shines even brighter. In a heartwarming incident, he assisted a stranded fan, Mari Carmen, by giving her a ride to the hospital. This act of kindness not only endeared him further to the Osasuna faithful but also marked a turning point in his season, leading to a prolific goal-scoring run. His generosity doesn't end there. After becoming Osasuna's top scorer in La Liga, Budimir fulfilled a promise by hosting a meal for over 120 club professionals, including directors, ticket managers, gardeners, and office staff. This gesture underscored his appreciation for the collective effort that underpins a football club's success. Budimir's journey is also marked by his contributions to the Croatian national team. Debuting in October 2020, he has since been part of significant tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia secured a commendable third-place finish. His dedication to his national colors mirrors his club commitment, showcasing a player who gives his all, regardless of the stage. As of March 2025, Budimir continues to be a pivotal figure for Osasuna. His leadership on and off the field serves as a guiding light for younger players, emphasizing the values of hard work, humility, and community. His story is a reminder that while talent opens doors, character and perseverance determine how far one can go. In a world often fixated on overnight success, Ante Budimir's narrative stands out. It's a story of gradual ascent, of embracing challenges, and of understanding that true success is not just about personal accolades but also about uplifting those around you. For anyone facing obstacles in their journey, Budimir's life serves as a compelling reminder that with resilience, support, and an unwavering belief in oneself, mountains can indeed be moved.
“
Sometimes things happen in life without you even knowing. I'm proud to be part of a club with over 100 years of history.
Career
Last updated: Mar 27' 2025
HNK Gorica
- Career: 2009–2010
- Appearances: 22
- Goals: 6
Inter Zaprešić
- Career: 2011–2013
- Appearances: 66
- Goals: 18
Lokomotiva Zagreb
- Career: 2013–2014
- Appearances: 30
- Goals: 17
FC St. Pauli
- Career: 2014–2016
- Appearances: 19
Crotone
- Career: 2015–2018
- Appearances: 79
- Goals: 25
Sampdoria FC
- Career: 2016–2018
- Appearances: 11
Mallorca
- Career: 2019–2021
- Appearances: 31
- Goals: 18
Osasuna
- Career: 2020–Present
- Appearances: 148
- Goals: 58
Croatia Football Team
- Career: 2020–Present
- Appearances: 28
- Goals: 3
Achievements
Osasuna
- 1× Copa del Rey runner-up
Crotone
- 1× Serie B runner-up
Mallorca
- 1× Segunda División runner-up
Croatia
- 1× FIFA World Cup third place
Individual
- 1× Segunda División Team of the Season
- 1× La Liga Player of the Month
Celebrating
The Machine
Football
Sep 09' 2025
Celebrating Persistence & Determination Leon Christoph Goretzka.
Born on 6 February 1995 in Bochum, Germany, Leon Christoph Goretzka grew up just minutes away from the local stadium, where his passion for football was ignited. His birthplace shaped his character - grounded, hardworking, and determined to make an impact. His parents instilled values that would become his foundation. His father, Konrad, worked as an automotive and electrical engineer at Opel, while his mother, Katharina, served as a business manager and presbyter in Bochum’s Protestant parish. Their steady encouragement created a stable environment in which young Leon could dream big. Goretzka’s talent blossomed early, he earned the prestigious Fritz Walter Medal (U-17 Gold) in 2012, a testament to his extraordinary potential. But true to any athlete’s journey, challenges soon surfaced. In 2015-16, Goretzka was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, affecting his ability to recover and perform. Through dietary changes - eliminating gluten, dairy, pork, and nuts. He took control of his health and reclaimed his fitness. As if health battles weren’t enough, he endured a double fracture of his jaw in one match, playing almost the entire game before collapsing. And later, stress fractures sidelined him again. But those obstacles didn’t define him the resolve he displayed did. He rose to prominence at Schalke before joining Bayern Munich in 2018, where he became a core midfielder. He claimed multiple Bundesliga titles, Champions League glory, DFB-Pokals, and even a sextuple in 2020. Even after facing career heartbreak being excluded from Germany’s Euro 2024 squad and moments of doubt at Bayern, he turned the tide. His perseverance paid off: he fought his way back into the starting lineup and regained the trust of coach Vincent Kompany. Now, Goretzka is thriving again. He played a pivotal role in Bayern winning the 2025 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, showcasing his attacking runs and synergy with teammates. Yet, his humility remains he continues advocating for improvement and precision. Under new coach Vincent Kompany, Goretzka praised the coach’s honesty and connection with the squad, comparing the unity to the golden era under Hansi Flick. That trust has reinvigorated him and energized the team. All athletes need guiding structures, mentorship, and persistence - just as Goretzka did. That’s where 8lete comes in. By providing personalized coaching, mental-health resources, and peer support, 8lete can help young players tackle adversity, maintain focus through setbacks, and chart their own path to success - mirroring the journey of Leon Christoph Goretzka.
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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.
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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.
