A Brief Look at the Inspiring Story of Alphonso Davies

The beautiful game has so many fascinating stories of a footballers journey from being dirt poor to the rise of stardom at the highest levels of the sport. Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich’s left back life story is as fascinating as one of those written stories that become a hit at movie theaters.  Not only because is a story that can inspire and teach many youngsters that with hard work and dedication goals can be accomplished. Though; talent also plays a big role in competitive sports and Alphonso has plenty of it, but in this case we’ll explore the moving story of how he became a soccer star and part of the squad of one of Europe’s top-level clubs. 

 

 One of the events that gave way to the story of this young talent was the Liberian civil war, which displaced and forced so many people to become refugees. Alphonso Davis was born in Buduburam, a refugee camp located 44 kilometers west of Accra, Ghana. Opened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 1990 (Wikepedia).  As usual parents who live in refugee camps have a really difficult time but learn how to entertain their kids. One way for the kids to have fun is by kicking a ball around. This is how Davis’ soccer baby steps as a footballer began. 

 

Luckily, destiny had quite a surprise for Alphonso Davis and his family as they found a better future in North America. Back in 2018 in an interview with CNN Davies told the reporter “We came to a great country like Canada that took us in, which is amazing looking back at it.” Indeed, it was great that Canada gave them asylum (in 2005) and took Davies family in; otherwise we would not have witnessed such amazing and talented footballer. Edmonton would become his hometown since age five, where his football abilities eventually would make him shine like a star.  

 

It is always important to be in the right place at the right time and Davies case was not the exception. As coaches observed him and people who help him pursue his dream career as a footballer; placing him in elementary school teams to Junior High. And eventually he was pushed up the ladder until he was part of the Vancouver White Caps youth academy where he end up signing a contract in 2016 at age 15 and was promoted to the first team of the MLS franchise. In 2018 he was honored as player of the year award as well as goal of the year voted by fans on Twitter and Instagram (Vancouver Whitecaps FC.)

 

After much success in the MLS it was time for winds of change for Alphonso and Europe was knocking in. The German giants of the Bundesliga Bayern Munich were aware of the gem they have found in Major League Soccer. And in 2018 Alphonso signed a contract with them to begin a new season in 2019 alongside world known superstars of such privileged club. A turning point and a new and challenging path for such a young talented footballer has begun.

 

High Quality Soccer Training Program

There is no doubt that someone as a gifted footballer as Alphonso Davies would end up being a shining start at highest levels of the beautiful game. However, it was his determination, his desire to succeed as well as events that took place that made his journey from Ghanaian refugee camp to eventually be crowned Champions League winner in 2020. He has made history now, by being part of the team that crashed Messi and FC Barcelona (8-2) in quarterfinals to eventually meet French giants PSG at the final and defeat them (1-0) to claim the UEFA Champions League for the sixth time for the German team. Alfonso Davis now a Canadian citizen has had moving story that is undoubtedly one of those that stand out for the circumstances that surrounded his life along the way. And we the fans are always thankful for such fascinating tales. 

The Feeling of Winning: Motivational Soccer Stories

When you look at the scenes of glory, celebration, winning and happiness that comes from winning a soccer game not just for a team but for every individual player, you feel this overwhelmingly surreal emotions. It makes you think of all the hard work these players put into it, the sweat, the tears and even the blood. It is admirable and shocking at the same time what some soccer players have to go through to make it big in the world of soccer, to win a game, to make a name of their own.

There are so many examples in the world of soccer. So many winning stories that inspire you. So many players who have truly shocked the world with their talent and have become idols for their fans.

Take Ronaldo for example.  A living legend.  A star in the soccer world. He can possibly be one of the most famous names to come out of the soccer world. His name has become synonymous with the game itself. No matter where you are from, if you are a soccer fan or not, you must have heard of the magic that is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a winning story himself. 

Ronaldo does not come from a very rich family or from a family that has a lot of influence. His father worked as an equipment manager at a club in Portugal. It was pure talent and hard work that brought him to fame and he was able to sign a deal with the famous European Club Manchester United. It was his talent and hard work that led him to win 5 Ballon d’Or awards, one of the most prestigious honor for any soccer player. It is the inspiring story of Ronaldo that had led millions and millions of kids to be ambitious about a career in football and to actually train hard and work for their dreams.

Another similar success story is of the world famous Argentinian soccer player Lionel Messi who is a forward player at FC Barcelona. He is considered to be a true success story, a player who is considered to have the most impeccable style of playing, overall a perfect soccer player. 

Messi whose net worth is around 400 million dollars now started of with very humble beginnings. He is a winning story in the world of soccer. Little kids look up to him and worship him. A kid who went viral recently for wearing a plastic shopping bag with messi’s name written on it because the family couldn’t afford to get him a real jersey belonged to a small village in Afghanistan. 

That’s the power of Lionel Messi. It was not always like this for him. He had his fair share of hurdles to make it big in the soccer world and to become the winning story that he is today. When Messi was an 8-year-old little boy he was diagnosed with a condition that stunted his growth and he was smaller than kids his age. His parents had to inject him every night with growth hormones that not only were very expensive but also were painful at the same time. 

This painful ordeal did not mean Messi gave up on playing soccer. He continued to work hard and play. Eventually he was chosen to be trained with FC Barcelona and they covered his medical costs. This same child went on and became FC Barcelona’s lead scorer and to win five Ballon d’Or awards. He is talented, He is inspiring and he is perfect winning story in the world of soccer.

A very recent and glorious winning story in the world of soccer has been of Muhammad Salah Ghaly or famously known as Mo Salah. A Muslim Egyptian football player who has climbed the stairs of success and glory in a way that has left many awe struck. The stadium is filled with chants of his names when he is playing. 

When Mo Salah was first signed by Liverpool FC everyone was apprehensive and skeptical of the choice they have made. He proved himself by becoming the second African player to score the most number of goals while playing for Liverpool. He became the player of the season. 

It was truly hard work that helped Mo Salah to get where he is today. He is still emerging and has a very long way to go. His achievements haven’t stopped yet and there are so many things he still needs to do, so many games he still needs to win.

These are just a few winning stories in the world of soccer that have inspired people all around the world. It is this feeling of winning, it is this glory, and the dedication showed by the players and the fans that make soccer the beautiful game that it is today. Soccer fans are known to be the most passionate fans when compared with fans of all other games because they invest all their emotions when supporting a team, club or even a player. 

The feeling of winning a soccer game is unbeatable. It is the most rewarding one. It is a game that becomes a part of you, a part of your life, a part of your lifestyle. It brings fans from all over the world closer to each other. They bond over one thing: soccer. They celebrate their wins together. It brings players from all kinds of backgrounds, ethnicities, races and religions together and to work for one thing: winning the game. There is truly nothing like the feeling of winning and celebrating a win with fans all around the world. 

Ten Quotes Applied to The Beautiful Game

1. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. By Henry Ford 

    Sometimes as a striker you have to ball on your feet, you either have to dribble to make space to shoot or decide to make a pass really quickly. Either way, sometimes you can and sometimes you can’t but something has to happen.

2. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.  By Albert Schweitzer.

This is why I enjoy watching and playing the beautiful game, and when I am at the soccer field I enjoy the breeze as the game gets underway.

3. If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. Anonymous.

This is certainly true in the sense that practice makes better. Some athletes, train and train and do extra exercises more than their teammates and for that reason they have more endurance, some are faster and so on.

4. A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. By William G. T. Shedd. 

As a fan, you watch your team struggle and you wonder why the coach is not doing any substitutions when there are really good players sitting at the bench.

5. You cannot step twice into the same river. By Heraclitus

Some players are tricky and they want to show off for the crowd, but sometimes they can’t mess around with the same opponent as the they can’t fool them twice.

6.  Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. By Winston Churchill

There are some star players that have a contagious and positive attitude towards the game that even make their not-so-good teammates look good on the pitch.

7.  Houston we have a problem. By John Swigert of Apollo 13

When you’re favorite team is being eliminated from an important tournament or is down by 3 goals. It is a big problem.

8. If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. By Milton Berle

In some occasions teams play tight on defense or as some would say they like to park the bus. For that reason, long-range shots from outside the box are necessary in order to put the ball inside the net.

9.  Nothing is permanent in this world, not even our troubles. By Charles Chaplin

Fans waste time arguing about who is the best player ever. It truly doesn’t matter because they will go and others will come; and that is how it goes.

10.  Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of   small things brought together. By Vincent van Gogh

That is what happens in a play that stars with the goalkeeper to the defenders and the ball keeps rolling into the midfield as it makes its way to the best-positioned striker. Then, there it is! A fantastic goal! 

Excited About the World Cup?

Are you excited about the World Cup? I know I am! It is fascinating to watch the atmosphere at matches in different locations. Since 2006 the FanFest has been one of the best things that have happened to modern FIFA world cups. I simply enjoy seeing so many fans showing up with their flags, their chants, their customs to support their countrymen. It is an spectacular ambiance.

I know I am excited about the World Cup, and my schedule of things to do simply has to be done around the matches. I have seen the surprises so far such as Iceland being able to stop Messi and Argentina. And who would have thought that Mexico would finally be able to defeat Germany or that Brazil one of the favorites was going to be stopped by Switzerland.

Cristiano was amazing against Spain though both teams tied 3-3 and walk away with one point, meanwhile Russia put a good show for their fans at home with their 5-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Great goals overall, this tournament is just warming up and I feel like we should be prepared for more surprises ahead.

The unexpected turns so far in Russia with shocking results is what this beautiful game is all about. I simply do not mind the underdogs putting some pressure on the big guns.  So far so good!


A lot of fun at the World Cup Fan Fest 2018

Who Else is Excited About the Champions League?

Who else is excited about the Champions League? Whenever there are some important games of our beloved sport showcasing the best players out there we cannot help it but patiently wait for that whistle to start the game.

The stakes are high and it’s the most competitive tournament, the players have to be at their best because when you lose there is no tomorrow. One of the characteristics of the Champions League is that winning is the only option and rarely there are some occasions when teams are able to turn around a losing leg.

Though some teams are able to bounce back from having lost their first leg. The individual stars that make the difference could have a day of luck and show up for big challenges when their team needs them the most. Sometimes teams can have a bit of luck or call it what you wish as they are able to perform and astonish everyone. But that is part of the excitement of games of such high caliber; when that so called small teams are able to knock out the so-called big teams.

In order to keep advancing towards the final; fans expect their team to perform at their best. One mistake could cost them a goal and one goal could cost them the elimination. There is a lot of pressure for the players, as there is a lot of nail biting on the stands or at home. The Champions League is simply the tournament that keeps camping in the minds of so many fans of the beautiful game around the world.

That Fantastic Bicycle Kick by Ronaldo

That Fantastic Bicycle kick by Real Madrid’s Ronaldo against Juventus is one of the best goals I have ever seen. It was an incredible feat at a high caliber game as the Champions League quarterfinals and for that reason alone is one to be kept at the museum of goals.

Bicycle kicks are impressive to watch, as they are one of the most acrobatic and iconic but not so common features of the beautiful game. We as spectators enjoy what high caliber players have to offer on the pitch and we always expect them to perform at the highest levels as we are used to seeing them do. Unfortunately; that’s not always the case for a lot of players. But Cristiano Ronaldo keeps flying high and his goal against Juventus’ veteran goalkeeper Gigi Buffon proves that he is in a different level and that he is not slowing down any time soon.

So what it is just another goal! What’s the big deal? Well it certainly is another goal that counts the same as one that crosses the line and goes in as a tap in. But this one is placed at a high category not only because it happened away at a Champions League quarterfinal in Turin at the home stadium of Club Juventus but also because it was scored by one of the best players of all time. And for that reason this goal has been the talk of soccer fans around the world that makes it a candidate to be revisited in years to come as one of the best bicycle kicks ever.

It was a wonderful goal and the opposite fans gave Ronaldo a standing ovation. Fans are quick to recognize greatness when they see it. And that day; as they were wowed by what they just have witness, Juve fans had no choice but to applaud the Portuguese superstar. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was so taken aback that he checked his baldhead to see if his hair was coming back. His reaction on the sidelines was priceless.

How come are we so wowed by a bicycle kick anyways? It naturally depends on all the circumstances surrounding the game. The quality of the player who is able to surprises us with such skill. It might be the ability to observe the ball on the air coming towards you and being able to time the jump for the effective kick. And for some it might be the acrobatic movement of scissor-like kick that simply looks spectacular to watch from many different angles. It is certainly not an easy goal to make as some players including Ronaldo himself have gotten injured trying to score like that. Goals via Bicycle kicks are simply impressive and we don’t get those pretty often and we enjoy them more whenever they come around.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Joins LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not join LA Galaxy, this is more like LA Galaxy joined him. What a thrilling moment that must have been for the fans in the stands seeing their new star perform at the highest level on his debut! This guy’s career has been filled with an extraordinary talent, fantastic goals, and confidence on the pitch that has earned him a reputation of its own.

Los Angeles Galaxy is home to one of the most talented footballers the world has seen in the last decade. Ibrahimovic arrived on Thursday night where he was met by a lot of chanting fans. And on Saturday at the derby vs neighbor rivals LAFC he was ready to give them what they asked for “I heard the fans chanting ‘we want Zlatan, we want Zlatan’ so I gave them Zlatan” said Ibra in a post game interview.

Normally, when a guy of this caliber comes off the bench the momentum of the game changes quickly. And Saturday night was not going to be the exception as Ibra stepped in the pitch LA Galaxy was trailing LAFC by 3 goals. But that would not last for too long as the hungry lion has been released.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the key player that helped LA Galaxy for a astonishing come back. His amazing volley in the 77^th minute was not only beautiful but also one of the most memorable goals MLS fans have ever seen. Now the score was 3-3 but there was more to come from Ibra. As he said it himself “the lion is hungry” hungry for goals that is because in stoppage time he towered defenders and put it in the net to seal the victory for his new club.

What a fantastic night to be a LA Galaxy fan! What a thrilling ride Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave everyone in the stands! And undoubtedly there is more to come from this superstar. He is a player that has been with the best clubs around the world, competing with the most talented guys out there. He is certainly a big deal and he will fit really well in Los Angeles.