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
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.
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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.
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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.
