For those who are directly involved in the sport itself, whether they be players, head coaches, and even famous commentators, finding the right words to say can often be just as equally challenging. But sometimes, they can come up with priceless gems that stand the test of time, summing up soccer with a simple but effective phrase, and even creating entirely new and previously unheard words.
Many of these phrases and words are often repeated by fans, typically when engaged in watching soccer or maybe wagering on the outcome of games. The languages used in Asia might be different, although passion for the soccer is just the same as elsewhere, including punters looking to find the best sports betting sites in India. Getting honest reviews and guides for online bookmakers is important, so clarity of wording and insight provided is helpful.
But whenever pressed for immediate answers, there are times when soccer personalities can be at a loss for words, coming up with the first thing that comes to their minds. Others can also give considerable thought about what needs to be said, and even have their words taken out of context, as we take a look at some of the most famed soccer quotes of all time.
“Beautiful Game”
Arguably the most famous phrase to be associated with soccer, legendary Brazilian icon Pele uttered the words “Jogo Bonito” back when he was playing the game, which means the “beautiful game” when translated literally from Portuguese to the English language. And what better person to coin this phrase, than arguably the greatest player ever to grace this wonderful sport.
Back in 2008 and attempting to take a deeper look at the meaning of those words, sports website Bleacher Report encapsulated precisely what Pele meant, using his “beautiful game” description of soccer. They highlighted that Pele personified it. He played the game with heart, honor, and joy. “He was a key part in making football the global phenomenon it now is,” was the defining statement about such a marvelous and cherished sportsman.
Soccer is a truly global sport, captivating people in every corner of the world, no matter their social status or background. It is unpredictable and anything can happen, while single moments can define the outcome of games, be they an unexpected red card by the referee or a wonderful goal scored by a supremely talented player. But what genuinely makes it beautiful is the fans, hanging on every moment, engrossed by the action, cheering on their teams.
“Football, Bloody Hell!”
The task of being a head coach is never easy. They are charged with leading and inspiring their teams, giving careful tactical instructions aimed at winning matches, while often finding themselves needing to motivate or chastise players in equal measure. Finding the right words to say can be a constant challenge, getting the balance just right whenever their input is needed.
But sometimes even the most famous and successful soccer managers can struggle, particularly after the outcome of a match, when they suddenly find themselves on camera and with a microphone shoved in their face. And sometimes, the sheer sense of thrill and euphoria takes over, which is precisely how Sir Alex Ferguson found himself, when Manchester United won the UEFA Champions League in 1999.
Winning that competition completed a memorable treble for the Red Devils, and they did so with a remarkable comeback against German giants Bayern Munich, scoring two quick goals right at the death. When he said “football, bloody hell!” Ferguson was capturing the moment, expressing just how emotional the sport can be, filled with unexpected twists and turns, always keeping everyone on their toes.
“Matter of Life and Death”
Some years after his tenure as Liverpool manager, Bill Shankly said something quite profound about his involvement in the sport. He had been the head coach for fifteen years, ushering in what would become a golden age for the Merseyside club, laying ideological foundations upon which the club would build, going on to achieve unprecedented success in England and Europe.
But what Shankly actually said is often misquoted and misrepresented. Today, we often see posters, prints, mugs, even towels and other merchandise, quoting the following words: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, it’s more important than that.”
Those words certainly ring true for many soccer fans, following the sport with an almost religious kind of zeal, although Shankly was actually referring to something entirely different. During an interview on TV in 1981, he was talking about the pressures on his life and family, due to such an unwavering dedication to his work. His words had a more personal meaning, not a wider context regarding soccer itself, despite the subsequent fame of the statement.
