
Serhou Yadaly Guirassy
~Guirassy
Mar 12' 1996
Guinea
The Exhilarating Story...
Serhou Yadaly Guirassy's journey from a young boy in Arles, France, to becoming a celebrated striker in European football is a narrative of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. Born on March 12, 1996, to Guinean parents, Guirassy's early life was steeped in the rich cultural heritage of Guinea, a West African nation where football is not just a sport but a passion that unites communities. Growing up in Arles, Guirassy's love for football was evident from a young age. He began his footballing journey with local clubs Montargis and Amilly before joining Laval's youth academy in 2011. His talent was undeniable, and by 2013, he had made his professional debut with Laval, showcasing a blend of agility, precision, and an innate understanding of the game that caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 2015, Guirassy signed a four-year contract with Lille, marking a significant step in his professional career. However, his time at Lille was challenging, with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. A loan move to Auxerre in 2016 provided him with more playing time, allowing him to regain confidence and form. These early struggles tested his resolve, but Guirassy remained steadfast, using each challenge as a stepping stone toward greater achievements. The turning point came in 2016 when Guirassy joined 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. Despite facing injuries and adapting to a new league, he demonstrated resilience, gradually establishing himself as a reliable forward. His perseverance paid off during the 2017-2018 season, where he emerged as Köln's top scorer, a testament to his growing influence on the pitch. In January 2019, Guirassy moved to Amiens SC, initially on loan before making the transfer permanent. It was here that he began to truly flourish, delivering consistent performances that highlighted his maturation as a player. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in a memorable match against Paris Saint-Germain in February 2020, where he scored twice in a thrilling 4-4 draw, underscoring his knack for rising to the occasion. Guirassy's upward trajectory continued with a move to Rennes in August 2020. At Rennes, he not only contributed significantly in domestic competitions but also made his mark in the UEFA Champions League, scoring the club's first-ever goal in the tournament during a 1-1 draw against Krasnodar. His performances were characterized by a blend of technical skill and mental fortitude, qualities that endeared him to fans and teammates alike. The 2022-2023 season saw Guirassy embark on a new challenge with VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. His impact was immediate and profound, as he scored ten goals in the first five matches, including a hat-trick against Mainz, equaling a record previously set by Robert Lewandowski. This remarkable feat not only showcased his goal-scoring prowess but also his ability to adapt and excel in different footballing environments. In July 2024, Guirassy took another significant step by signing a four-year contract with Borussia Dortmund. His transition to one of Germany's top clubs was seamless, as he continued to find the back of the net with regularity. By February 2025, he had scored his tenth goal in the Champions League, joining the ranks of Dortmund legends like Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. His four-goal performance in a 6-0 victory over Union Berlin further cemented his status as a prolific striker. Throughout his journey, Guirassy's resilience in the face of adversity has been a defining characteristic. His early struggles with injuries and limited opportunities could have derailed his career, but his unwavering determination and belief in his abilities propelled him forward. The support of his family, coaches, and mentors played a crucial role in his development, providing the foundation upon which he built his success. Serhou Guirassy stands as an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. From the streets of Arles to the grand stadiums of Europe, Guirassy's journey reminds us that with dedication and resilience, overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness is within reach.
“
I'm only good because of the team, so I'm grateful to them.

Career
Last updated: Mar 25' 2025
Laval
- Career: 2013–2015
- Appearances: 33
- Goals: 6

Lille
- Career: 2015–2016
- Appearances: 8

Auxerre
- Career: 2016 (Loan)
- Appearances: 16
- Goals: 8

FC Köln
- Career: 2016–2019
- Appearances: 37
- Goals: 6

Amiens
- Career: 2019 (Loan)
- Appearances: 13
- Goals: 3

Amiens
- Career: 2019–2020
- Appearances: 24
- Goals: 10

Rennes FC
- Career: 2020–2023
- Appearances: 65
- Goals: 19

VfB Stuttgart
- Career: 2022–2023 (Loan)
- Appearances: 22
- Goals: 11

VfB Stuttgart
- Career: 2023–2024
- Appearances: 28
- Goals: 28

Borussia Dortmund
- Career: 2024–Present
- Appearances: 21
- Goals: 14

Guinea Football Team
- Career: 2022–Present
- Appearances: 21
- Goals: 9
Achievements
Individual
- 2x Bundesliga Player of the Month
- 1x Bundesliga Team of the Season
- 1x VDV Bundesliga Team of the Season
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.