Frenkie De Jong
~El Artista
May 12' 1997
Netherlands
The Exhilarating Story...
Frenkie De Jong's soccer journey began on the humble fields of his hometown club, ASV Arkel. The simplicity of his beginnings, where local tournaments were the highlight, starkly contrasts the grandeur of international stadiums he would later dominate. His family, recognizing his natural flair and dedication from an early age, supported his commitment to the sport, driving him to countless practices and matches, often far from home. At the tender age of nine, De Jong’s talent was evident, and it wasn’t long before he caught the eye of Willem II, a professional club in Tilburg. The transition was not without its challenges. Young Frenkie had to adapt to more rigorous training schedules, increased competition, and the pressure of performing consistently at a higher level. His early days at Willem II were a test of his adaptability and mental strength. His breakthrough came when he moved to Ajax, the club renowned for its youth development. At Ajax, De Jong refined his skills under the guidance of top-tier coaches who honed his ability to read the game, a quality that now sets him apart on the field. His time at Ajax was pivotal; he played a crucial role in their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-2019 season, a feat that brought him international acclaim and showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. The move to Barcelona in 2019 was the next big step in De Jong’s career, but it came with its own set of challenges. Adapting to a new country, a new league, and the colossal expectations at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs was daunting. Despite these hurdles, De Jong’s perseverance shone through. His ability to maintain composure under pressure, coupled with his exceptional ball control and vision, quickly made him a vital part of the team. Frenkie De Jong’s journey is a testament to his never-say-die attitude. Even at the peak of his career, he continues to push his limits. His commitment to improving every aspect of his game, from physical fitness to tactical awareness, exemplifies his approach to soccer and life—always moving forward, always striving for better. For upcoming athletes, Frenkie’s story is a beacon of hope. It shows that with enough determination, even the highest peaks can be scaled, and that true passion can guide one through the most challenging paths. His career encourages young athletes to dream big and work tirelessly toward their goals, no matter where they start. Frenkie De Jong's journey from Arkel to Barcelona underscores a powerful narrative: no matter the origins, persistence, and hard work pave the way to success. His life is a reminder that every young athlete battling odds has a fighting chance at greatness, mirroring the spirit celebrated at 8lete in nurturing and elevating talented individuals from grassroots to global recognition.
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I try not to pay attention to talk of comparisons. I only want to focus on myself and keep improving my game.
Career
Last updated: Jun 11' 2024
Willem II
- Career: 2015
- Total Appearances: 2
Jong Ajax
- Career: 2015–2017
- Total Appearances: 46
- Total Goals: 8
Ajax
- Career: 2016–2019
- Total Appearances: 57
- Total Goals: 4
Barcelona
- Career: 2019-Present
- Total Appearances: 151
- Total Goals: 12
Netherlands Football Team
- Career: 2018–Present
- Total Appearances: 54
- Total Goals: 2
Achievements
Ajax
- 1 x Eredivisie
- 1 x KNVB Cup
- 1 x UEFA Europa League runner-up
Barcelona
- 1 x La Liga
- 1 x Copa del Rey
- 1 x Supercopa de España
Netherlands
- 1 x UEFA Nations League runner-up
Individual
- 1 x Eerste Divisie Talent of the Season
- 2 x Eredivisie Player of the Month
- 1 x Eredivisie Player of the Season
- 1 x Eredivisie Team of the Season
- 1 x UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season
- 1 x UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season
- 1 x Johan Cruyff Trophy
- 1 x UEFA Nations League Finals Young Player of the Tournament
- 1 x UEFA Nations League Finals Team of the Tournament
- 1 x FIFA FIFPro World11
- 1 x IFFHS Men's World Team
- 1 x UEFA Team of the Year
- 1 x Premi Barça Jugadors (Barça Players Award)
Celebrating
Defoe
Football
May 20' 2025
Celebrating Humility & Resilience Jermain Colin Defoe.
Born on October 7, 1982, in Beckton, East London, Jermain Colin Defoe’s life was never paved with gold. Raised by his mother Sandra and father Jimmy Defoe, young Jermain grew up in a challenging environment where survival often took precedence over dreams. Yet, even as a boy, he showed extraordinary commitment to the game that would eventually give him global recognition — football. Much of Jermain’s emotional strength comes from his mother Sandra. When his father left the family, Sandra became his rock — juggling jobs to keep her son in school and football. Their bond strengthened through hardship, and her unwavering support laid the foundation for Jermain’s relentless discipline and humility on and off the pitch. At age 14, Defoe moved away from home to join the FA’s National School at Lilleshall. That separation from his mother was the first emotional scar. Years later, in 2009, tragedy struck again when his half-brother, Jade Defoe, was killed in a street attack. The grief was crushing, and Jermain questioned everything — even football. But each time, he turned pain into fuel. Glenn Hoddle, Harry Redknapp, and other managers were more than tacticians for Defoe — they were life mentors. Redknapp, in particular, was instrumental, signing him for West Ham and later Tottenham. These figures not only believed in his skill but nurtured his growth, understanding his vulnerabilities and teaching him how to lead with heart. In 2016, Jermain met Bradley Lowery, a terminally ill six-year-old Sunderland fan. Their bond moved the world. Defoe wasn’t just a friend — he became Bradley’s hero and honorary big brother. Even during England duties, Jermain visited him in the hospital. When Bradley passed in 2017, it was one of the most emotional moments in football — and it revealed the extraordinary compassion Defoe carried quietly. Despite his small frame for a striker, Defoe’s longevity is legendary. He credits this to his disciplined lifestyle — early nights, hydration, nutrition, and abstaining from alcohol. In an era where players seek flashy lifestyles, Jermain chose simplicity and preparation. It wasn’t glamorous, but it made him a role model for aspiring athletes. Defoe has openly spoken about his faith — how prayer and belief helped him during dark times. Reconnecting with his estranged father later in life also taught him about forgiveness. In recent years, he has expressed his desire for fatherhood and building a legacy rooted in care, not just goals. After retiring in 2022, Defoe seamlessly transitioned into punditry and mentoring. But more importantly, he started the Jermain Defoe Foundation, which supports vulnerable children across the Caribbean and the UK. His foundation echoes his life’s deeper mission — using personal trials to uplift others. In 2024–25, Jermain continues to appear on football panels and works closely with young strikers in development academies across England. He’s often spotted at charity events and school visits, sharing stories that resonate far beyond football. Recently, he’s been an advocate for mental health awareness in sport, especially for young Black British athletes. With over 300 club goals and 57 England caps, Defoe’s stats are remarkable. But his true legacy lies in his empathy, resilience, and humility. He reminds us that greatness isn’t measured just in numbers, but in how you carry others through your own battles. Jermain Defoe is not just a footballer — he’s a quiet revolution in boots.
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Celebrating
Woodsy
Football
May 19' 2025
Celebrating Support & Persistence Christopher Grant Wood.
Christopher Grant Wood, born on December 7, 1991, in Auckland, New Zealand, is more than just a prolific footballer. He’s a symbol of determination for every aspiring athlete from small nations overlooked on the global stage. Raised in the rural suburb of Waikato by his parents, Julie and Grant Wood, Chris’s early days were filled with homemade training routines and muddy football boots—no flashy academies or scouts knocking at the door. His journey began alongside his sister Chelsey Wood, who also played football. They both represented Cambridge FC in their early years. But unlike players from footballing powerhouses, Chris had to battle obscurity. Opportunities were rare, pitches rough, and funding even scarcer. Yet, what Chris lacked in infrastructure, he made up for with tenacity. Every 6 a.m. drill, every weekend match in the rain—it all laid the foundation for his unshakable work ethic. When Chris was just 16, a major turning point arrived: a move to England, spurred by a scouting opportunity with West Bromwich Albion. Leaving his family and the comforts of New Zealand behind wasn’t easy. Alone in a foreign land, he had to navigate culture shocks, weather changes, and professional expectations. But Chris dug deep, reminding himself why he started. His parents remained pillars from afar, constantly offering emotional support, while his coaches in New Zealand stayed in touch, fueling his belief. Initially, Chris didn’t get the dream debut. He was loaned out to several clubs—Barnsley, Brighton, Birmingham, and more. Many would have quit. But for Chris, each loan was a lesson. Each minute on the pitch was a window to prove he belonged. Through consistent performances and an unwavering attitude, he finally found his stride with Leeds United, becoming their top scorer and fan favorite. His hard work eventually paid off when he earned a place in the Premier League, signing with Burnley in 2017 for a then club-record fee. From that moment, the global football stage witnessed the rise of a Kiwi bulldozer—strong, reliable, and unrelenting. Representing New Zealand, he’s also one of the nation’s top scorers, a beacon of hope for Oceanic football. But his struggles weren’t just on the field. Injuries, mental fatigue from constant relocations, and criticism came often. During tough times, it was his sports psychologist, his Burnley teammates, and close friends who helped Chris stay grounded. Meditation, journaling, and frequent video calls with his parents played a key role in his resilience. In 2022, Chris Wood made headlines again when he signed for Newcastle United and later Nottingham Forest, continuing to defy expectations. In 2024, he became one of Forest’s key players, helping the club retain Premier League status. Even at 32, his hunger hasn’t dimmed. Off the field, he mentors young players and promotes football development in New Zealand, giving back to the roots that shaped him. Chris’s story is more than just goals and caps. It’s about not letting geography define destiny. It’s about trusting the process even when progress is slow. It's about family, sacrifice, and never losing sight of why you started. To every young athlete in a remote town, dreaming big on dusty fields - Chris Wood is living proof that with persistence, support, and belief, even the smallest places can produce the biggest stars.
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Celebrating
Ollie
Football
May 16' 2025
Celebrating Growth & Gratitude Oliver George Arthur Watkins.
Born on December 30, 1995, in Torquay, Devon, Oliver George Arthur Watkins — known today as Ollie Watkins — is a name that resonates with persistence, patience, and purpose. The journey of this England international wasn’t scripted in glamorous academies or elite youth setups. Instead, it was forged in the quiet corners of Exeter, where dreams often struggled to breathe. Raised in Newton Abbot, Ollie was brought up by a single mother, Sarah Watkins, who played a critical role in shaping his early discipline and determination. Life wasn’t easy — not financially, not emotionally. His love for football came early, but access to resources, coaching, and opportunities was limited. While many of his peers pursued traditional paths, Watkins learned to survive and adapt, playing for Exeter City’s Academy, often doubted for being “too slight” and lacking physicality. Exeter City almost gave up on him. At one point, Watkins was released from the academy system, left wondering if football was truly his calling. But instead of folding under pressure, he used the rejection as fuel. He trained harder, improved his diet, worked on his physique, and developed an intense work ethic that stood out. A key turning point came when he rejoined Exeter’s U18 team and caught the attention of coach Paul Tisdale, who became a major influence and mentor in Ollie’s resurgence. Watkins’ breakthrough season came in 2016–17, scoring 16 goals for Exeter and earning EFL Young Player of the Year. Still, big clubs weren’t calling. But Brentford FC, known for developing underappreciated talent, saw potential. The move to Brentford in 2017 wasn’t just a step up — it was a chance to belong. There, under Thomas Frank, Ollie transformed from a winger into a deadly striker. Brentford trusted him. He delivered. Yet, his Premier League dream was still distant. Watkins waited, watched peers move on, and kept grinding. When Aston Villa signed him in 2020 for a then-club-record fee, critics questioned the decision. But within weeks, Watkins silenced doubts — including a memorable hat-trick against Liverpool in a 7–2 win. That moment became symbolic of his journey: explosive, unexpected, and deeply personal. Off the pitch, Ollie credits his close-knit group — especially his mother Sarah, youth coach Mark Jenkins, and Villa teammates like Tyrone Mings — for grounding him during his transition to the spotlight. They reminded him that humility is a superpower, especially in an era of noise. Watkins’ England debut came in March 2021, where he scored just 20 minutes after coming on. From a boy who faced academy rejection to scoring in an England shirt — his story is a beacon for every young athlete who thinks the door has closed. It hasn’t. It’s just not your time yet. As of 2024, Watkins has become an integral part of the England Euro 2024 squad, playing alongside stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. His consistency at Villa under manager Unai Emery, where he finished the 2023–24 season as their top scorer, has made him one of the most complete forwards in the league — quick, sharp, and selfless. In a world of instant fame, Ollie Watkins reminds us that some players bloom late — and those blossoms are often the most beautiful. His story isn't just about goals; it's about growth, gratitude, and grace under pressure.
