Top 5 role models in Football

Messi is the all-time top scorer in La Liga nowFootball inspires. It induces passion, motivation and unity. Arguably the greatest spectacle on earth, our preoccupation with the sport lies somewhere between fanaticism and extremism.For many, the game carries the single beacon of light that guides them through the struggles of life. No matter how difficult your week has been, there is always that game at the weekend you were looking forward to.Essentially, for ninety minutes, football provides an escape from the struggles and hardships one encounters in life. Seems like a very short period of time but it leaves an enduring impression on an individual for the rest of the week.The players have become our role models and their lives our inspiration. Of course, modern day football has its fair share of ‘bad’ role models but contrary to popular opinion, it numbers are negligible.As we celebrate our passion for the great sport, we look at five former and current professionals whose integrity, commitment and nobility has helped change the lives of many.

#5 Andres Iniesta

The 2010 FIFA World Cup was just around the corner and FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta could not believe he made it into the Airbus 340/600 that would take the Spanish national team to Johannesburg, South Africa.

The diminutive man had suffered a thigh injury 13 months before the World Cup and it relapsed on four separate occasions over the course of the season. A guaranteed starter for any team on the planet, Iniesta played just 30 minutes of football in the final third of Barcelona’s season. Evidently, he was extremely lucky to be on that plane.

Seated next two Victor Valdes, he rummaged through his carry bag to find a DVD that quite possibly changed the landscape of world football. It was a motivational video that showcased the defeats of Spaniards on the world stage and their subsequent comeback to win them in spectacular fashion.

Pumped up and inspired, Iniesta whose confidence was in tatters before getting on that plane, helped La Roja reach the final where he scored the only goal against the Netherlands to gift Spain their first ever World Cup.

It was not only inspiring, it was invigorating.