
Robin Van Persie
~Van Persie
Aug 06' 1983
Netherlands
The Exhilarating Story...
Born on August 6, 1983, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Robin van Persie grew up in a household rooted in creativity. His parents, Bob and José van Persie, were both artists, fostering a unique environment for young Robin. However, while their artistic careers provided a distinct background, Robin’s early life was filled with challenges. He frequently found himself in trouble at school, and with his rebellious spirit and boundless energy, it wasn’t easy for him to focus. But behind that energy was a passion for football that would eventually lead him to greatness. Robin’s love for football became a guiding force in his life, helping him channel his restless energy into something positive. As he continued to face difficulties in school, his mother, José, played a significant role in steering him toward a disciplined path, encouraging him to pursue his passion for football wholeheartedly. At a young age, Robin joined the Excelsior youth team, where his talents started to shine, despite his struggles with focus and direction. His father, Bob, while an artist, also gave him the freedom to pursue his interests, allowing Robin to develop his own identity and discipline in his journey. Robin’s potential was quickly recognized, and he was recruited by Feyenoord's youth academy. At just 17, he made his debut in the Dutch Eredivisie, but his career faced a significant setback as he struggled with injuries and clashes with management. His early days were marked by conflicts with coaches due to his rebellious attitude, leading many to question if he had the discipline needed to succeed in the professional football world. However, it was during these tough times that Robin found a mentor in Bert van Marwijk, Feyenoord's head coach at the time. Van Marwijk’s guidance and mentorship became instrumental in teaching Robin the importance of self-discipline, patience, and resilience. Bert’s faith in his abilities encouraged Robin to develop a more focused approach toward the game, a transformation that not only improved his relationship with the sport but also with his teammates. In 2004, Robin van Persie moved to Arsenal, where he was taken under the wing of the legendary manager Arsène Wenger. Wenger’s trust in his skills and his patient mentorship helped Robin mature, both as a player and as an individual. This phase of his career was crucial, as Robin learned to cope with injuries, refine his gameplay, and develop into a more versatile forward. Wenger’s impact was profound, as Robin often cited him as one of the greatest influences on his football journey. After years of dedication, Robin became one of Arsenal’s most prized players, scoring consistently and inspiring millions with his tenacity and skill. In 2012, he made the move to Manchester United, where he continued to make waves, famously leading United to a Premier League title in his debut season. His iconic goal against Aston Villa in April 2013 remains one of the most memorable moments in Premier League history, cementing his status as a football legend. Robin’s career was filled with recurring injuries, which often slowed his progress, but his determination kept him on track. Rather than giving up, he spent countless hours in recovery, building physical and mental resilience. The support of his family, especially his wife, Bouchra, and his children, became a significant source of strength, pushing him to overcome each obstacle and continue his pursuit of excellence. Even after retiring in 2019, Robin stayed connected to football by joining Feyenoord's coaching staff, where he began sharing his journey and experiences with the next generation of players, focusing on nurturing talent and teaching resilience. Robin van Persie is celebrated not only for his career but also for his role as a mentor to young footballers. His wisdom, combined with his understanding of the struggles young athletes face, has made him an inspiring figure in the world of sports. He remains active in Dutch football, contributing to Feyenoord’s coaching team, where he instills his disciplined, skill-driven approach in aspiring players. Robin van Persie’s journey from a rebellious youth to one of the most iconic footballers of his generation is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, family support, and mentorship. His story inspires those facing challenges, proving that with determination, self-discipline, and the right guidance, it is possible to turn dreams into reality. Robin’s life serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for athletes worldwide, emphasizing that greatness often emerges from adversity.
“
It's not about where you start; it's about where you're willing to go to achieve your dreams.

Career
Last updated: Nov 04' 2024
Feyenoord
- Career: 2001-2004
- Total Appearances: 61
- Total Goals: 14

Arsenal
- Career: 2004-2012
- Total Appearances: 194
- Total Goals: 96

Manchester United
- Career: 2012-2015
- Total Appearances: 86
- Total Goals: 48

Fenerbahçe
- Career: 2015-2018
- Total Appearances: 57
- Total Goals: 25

Feyenoord
- Career: 2018-2019
- Total Appearances: 37
- Total Goals: 21

Netherlands Football Team
- Career: 2005-2017
- Total Appearances: 102
- Total Goals: 50

Heerenveen
- Career: 2024-Present
- Total Games: 11
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 5
- Win Rate: 36%
Achievements
Feyenoord
- 1x UEFA Cup
- 1x KNVB Cup
- 1x Johan Cruyff Shield
- 1x KNVB Cup Runner-up
Arsenal
- 1x FA Cup
- 1x FA Community Shield
- 1x UEFA Champions League Runner-up
- 1x Football League Cup Runner-up
Manchester United
- 1x Premier League
- 1x FA Community Shield
Fenerbahçe
- 1x Turkish Cup Runner-up
Netherlands
- 1x FIFA World Cup Runner-up
- 1x FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual
- 1x Dutch Football Talent of the Year
- 1x KNVB Best Young Talent Award
- 5x Premier League Player of the Month
- 5x BBC Goal of the Month
- 1x Premier League Top Assists (shared)
- 3x Premier League Golden Boot Landmark Award
- 2x Premier League Golden Boot
- 1x PFA Players' Player of the Year
- 1x PFA Fans' Player of the Year
- 2x PFA Team of the Year
- 1x FWA Footballer of the Year
- 1x ESM Team of the Year
- 2x Arsenal Player of the Season
- 1x Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year
- 1x BBC Goal of the Season
- 3x FIFA FIFPro World XI shortlist
- 1x FIFA FIFPro World XI 2nd team
- 1x Premier League 100 Club's Greatest Goal Award
- 1x Manchester United Goal of the Season
- 1x 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification top goalscorer
- 1x Sport in Beeld-Prijs (Moment of the Year)
- 1x Eredivisie Player of the Month
- 1x Telegraaf Footballer of the Year Gala Oeuvreprijs (Lifetime Achievement)
Celebrating
Susi


Football
Sep 14' 2025
Celebrating Vision & Resilience Michael Zorc.
Michael Zorc was born on 25 August 1962 in Dortmund, West Germany. He grew up in a footballing environment: his father Dieter Zorc was a professional defender who played in the Bundesliga for VfL Bochum and had represented Germany at amateur / lower levels. This family background exposed Michael early on to the demands and discipline of football, yet it also meant expectations were high. Even with that lineage, Michael’s journey was far from guaranteed. He started in youth football with a local club, TuS Eving-Lindenhorst, before moving into Borussia Dortmund’s youth ranks in 1978. Young Michael, nicknamed “Susi” because of his long hair, had to learn rapidly, proving his physical and mental stamina to stand out in a competitive environment. One of his first major tests came in the mid-1980s. Borussia Dortmund were fighting to avoid relegation, and in 1986 they finished near the bottom, landing in the relegation play-offs. Michael had already begun to make his mark by then, contributing goals and presence in midfield. In one decisive match, he scored a crucial penalty to help turn the tide. These moments tested not only skill, but character. Off the field, Zorc balanced more than just football. He completed his Abitur (German high school leaving exams), performed his compulsory military service in a sports support unit of the Bundeswehr, and even began studies in economics at the University of Dortmund, though he did not complete the degree. Managing both academic expectations and athletic pressure required sacrifice, saying no to leisure and diverting energy into two very different tasks. Through persistence and performance, Michael established himself as a mainstay in the Borussia Dortmund first team. Over seventeen seasons (1981-1998) he played more than 460 Bundesliga matches and over 570 in competitive matches total, scoring around 159 goals. As captain he led the club through highs and lows: saving from relegation, almost failing, then later winning multiple titles including Bundesliga championships and the 1996-97 UEFA Champions League. But there were also times of crisis for the club. Financial strain threatened Dortmund; managing the squad, morale, budgets, expectations all concurrently was no easy task. Michael Zorc, along with management figures such as Hans-Joachim Watzke, played a central role in stabilizing the club as sporting director, balancing youth development, astute signings, and sustainable finances. His leadership off the field is as much part of his legacy as his goals on it. After retiring as a player in 1998, Zorc’s second chapter began: management. From sporting director to director of football, he shaped Borussia Dortmund’s direction for many years - selecting coaches, leading transfer strategy, and helping build a culture of resilience and competitiveness. Under his leadership, the club won further Bundesliga titles and domestic cups. Most recently, in November 2024, Michael Zorc returned to Borussia Dortmund in an official capacity: he was elected to the club’s supervisory board with more than 90 percent of the vote. That move symbolizes not only respect for his past contribution but also trust in his vision and experience to guide the club through future challenges. Lessons & Inspirational Takeaways for Young Players - Heritage helps, but does not guarantee: Having a parent in football gave Michael exposure, but he still had to earn every minute on the pitch. Talent, work, perseverance. - Balancing life and football: School, service, studies - these early life demands help build discipline, time-management, mental strength. - Facing severe challenges: Moment of crisis team near relegation, financial trouble are the true tests of character. It is how one responds that shapes growth. - Consistency over flash: Michael’s longevity with one club, sustained performance, and gradual growth meant he built trust and leadership rather than chasing short-term fame. - Advancing beyond playing: Transitioning from player to sport director to supervisory board shows that the journey can evolve. Success is not only during one’s playing years. How 8lete Can Help Young Players Achieve Dreams Like Zorc 8lete can play a powerful role in helping aspiring footballers by providing structured support along the lines Michael Zorc’s path suggests: - Mentorship programs that connect youngsters with former professionals or senior players, helping them understand not only football skills but life skills: education, balance, discipline. - Integrated education support: ensuring that young players do not abandon schooling. Like Zorc managing education and football, young players need both to build resilience and options. - Mental resilience training: handling setbacks, pressure, fear of failure. Zorc’s experience in relegation fights and club crises shows setbacks are part of the journey. - Leadership development: giving youngsters roles of responsibility early on (captaining youth teams, leading in community) helps build character. - Long-term vision: helping players plan beyond immediate performance - careers after playing, understanding management, coaching, or other roles, so that their relationship with the sport can last beyond their youth. - Exposure to sustainable club philosophies: Encouraging clubs and academies to think not only of winning but of stability, youth development, and financial responsibility. Young players learn best in systems built on these values. Michael Zorc shows what is possible when talent meets perseverance, strong values and the right support. Born into football, but made through trials. His career spanned decades at Borussia Dortmund: as player, captain, sporting director, mentor. These are roles of increasing responsibility, each demanding different skills. And the fact that he returned in 2024 to a leadership role in the supervisory board underscores that the admiration and trust built over years still counts in the world of football, reputation and character endure. For young players, that means that every action on training pitch, in school, during tough matches builds up. Reputation gets built, discipline earns respect, leadership rewarded in unexpected ways. Zorc’s journey teaches that even after setbacks near relegation, mistakes, financial risks if one remains committed to growth, one can influence and shape things beyond oneself. Michael Zorc’s life and career is a powerful lesson for young athletes everywhere. From humble beginnings in Dortmund, growing under the shadow of a father’s football legacy, through crises and triumphs, balancing education and pressure, to becoming one of the most respected figures in German football. With the right supports - mentors, education, mental strength, leadership training, long-term vision - young players can follow a similar path. That is exactly what 8lete seeks to provide: not just training the body, but nurturing character, preparing for setbacks, helping build life skills and leadership. When you pair ambition with discipline, setbacks with resilience, you open up a future not just in playing but in influencing the game, just like Michael Zorc has.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.