The mind: The most powerful weapon in the world

“Our brain, not our muscles, dictates how far we can go,” suggests Professor Tim Noakes from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Under this principle, a scout analyzes a player's technique, tactical understanding, and physical strength and faces the challenge of studying the player's psyche.

How much can the mind influence a player? So much so that conclusions can be drawn about their behavior when facing the various challenges in football, from a simple miss in front of the opponent's goal to losing a final. Although it sounds simple, recovering from these emotional blows is difficult because facing defeat always involves a process of acceptance and regaining confidence to move forward. Just as it is on the field, it is in life.

But do all players manage to overcome these challenges? The immediate answer from anyone would be "yes," but reality can be more complex. There are cases where players with extraordinary talents are never the same after a tough elimination, especially if a mistake of theirs led to the defeat. Their emotional patterns can turn negative, living with the fear of making mistakes at any moment or in any situation. This eventually influences the team's morale, in some cases more than others, but it is always tangible within the locker room.

Now, what about those players who "lose their footing" and start to become negative leaders of a team? Sometimes responsible for dividing the group of players and even challenging their own coach, these players can become ticking time bombs. Here comes the crucial decision: to let them go or change the coaching staff for lacking the tools to handle the situation. The answer varies in each case and is valid according to the management's criteria.

Next, I will present three notable examples of such players who had negative impacts and sparked much controversy with their actions.

Mario Balotelli:  

The Italian striker Mario Balotelli has been known for his talent on the field as well as his controversial behavior off it. During his time at Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in various incidents, from accidentally setting his own house on fire by launching fireworks to his famous shirt with the inscription "Why Always Me?" after scoring in the Manchester derby. Additionally, he had multiple altercations with coaches and teammates, which affected his professional career.

Joey Barton:

Joey Barton, a former English midfielder, has had a career marked by numerous incidents on and off the field. Barton is known for his temper and violent behavior, including an altercation in a Manchester City training session where he assaulted teammate Ousmane Dabo. He has also faced sanctions for inappropriate conduct on social media and legal issues, including a prison sentence for assault. These actions overshadowed his football talent and affected his professional reputation.

Luis Suárez:  

Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez has been one of the most controversial players in modern football due to several misconduct incidents. Suárez has been suspended three times for biting opponents, including incidents during his time at Ajax, Liverpool, and the 2014 World Cup with the Uruguayan national team. Additionally, Suárez was suspended for making racist remarks towards Patrice Evra during a match between Liverpool and Manchester United. Despite his undeniable talent, these incidents have left a stain on his career.

However, there are also numerous examples of players whose mental strength and positive attitude have been exemplary and positively influenced their teams. Here are three notable examples:

Cristiano Ronaldo:  

Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is known not only for his exceptional skill but also for his incredible work ethic and winning mentality. Ronaldo has overcome numerous adversities throughout his career, from his difficult childhood to constant criticism and pressure at the highest level of football. His dedication to training and ability to perform in the most critical moments have inspired many and have been key factors in the successes of his teams, including Real Madrid and Juventus.

Carles Puyol:  

Former FC Barcelona defender and captain Carles Puyol is remembered for his leadership and unwavering commitment both on and off the field. Puyol was known for his bravery, discipline, and ability to motivate his teammates while always maintaining humility and respect for the game. His strong and positive mentality helped Barcelona achieve numerous titles, including three Champions Leagues and six La Liga championships.

N'Golo Kanté:  

French midfielder N'Golo Kanté has been an example of humility and professionalism in modern football. Despite his success with Leicester City, Chelsea, and the French national team, including winning the Premier League and the World Cup, Kanté has maintained a modest and hardworking attitude. His ability to stay focused, perform consistently, and keep a positive attitude has been crucial for his teams and has made him one of the most beloved and respected players in the world.

Unfortunately, in the selection of players within the world of football, talent often takes precedence over the individual's psyche. With effort and the responsibility of each player to take care of their mental health, as well as the role of the sports psychologist in managing the group, the emotional state of players can be worked on and supported.

The final message is that scouts analyze multiple data points and must consider all these situations, as well as be close to the player, evaluating them as human beings and valuing all their emotional and sentimental reactions to provide a more complete and integral assessment of any player.

Lopez Giraud Derek