11 Soccer Legends Share their Thoughts on the Mental Side of Sports

1. Pele, legendary Brazilian footballer: "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."

2. Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United: "Hard work will always overcome natural talent when natural talent does not work hard enough."

3. Carli Lloyd, American soccer player: "You have to fight harder, dig deeper, and prove all the doubters wrong."

4. Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool FC: "The best word I can say to describe this is: Boom!"

5. Mia Hamm, former USA women's soccer player: "I am building a fire, and every day I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match."

6. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese professional footballer: "Talent without working hard is nothing."

7. Lionel Messi, Argentine professional footballer: "You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it."

8. Zinedine Zidane, former French footballer and manager: "I once cried because I had no shoes to play soccer, but one day, I met a man who had no feet."

9. Hope Solo, American goalkeeper: "I think it’s important to keep your personal life to yourself as much as you can. It protects your sanity and you need to have boundaries."

10. Frank Lampard, English professional football manager and former player: "I am as ambitious as ever. My goal now is to become a successful manager."

11. Andrea Pirlo, Italian former professional footballer: "Football is played with the head. Your feet are just the tools."

These quotes reflect a diverse perspective on the dedication, mental toughness, and strategic foresight required to excel in soccer.