I wanted to just take a moment and share with you some inspirational and thought-provoking soccer quotes from the people who we regard as some of the best soccer players (not just goalkeepers) in the world.

The Best Inspirational Soccer Quotes

It’s easy to find yourself losing hope or motivation in difficult times. Especially with a gruelling training regime. But I want to let THEIR words inspire YOU to keep on track. I’m also hoping you might find something educational in this post that it will help you with your training and in your matches.

1. ““As a goalkeeper you need to be good at organizing the people in front of you and motivating them. You need to see what's going on and react to the threats. Just like a good manager in business.” - Peter Shilton, England Goalkeeper who famously suffered Maradona’s “Hand of God” in the 1986 World Cup
   
   
2. “Talent without working hard is nothing.” – Cristiano Ronaldo - Portuguese international player (2001 - present)
   
   When you’re feeling like you aren’t good enough, just remember that no matter how naturally talented you are, or aren’t - there is no substitute for hard work. Think tortoise vs hare - the hare thought he was better and faster than the tortoise and became arrogant. Whilst the tortoise knew he just had to work harder and won the race as a result.
   
   
3. “Enthusiasm is everything. It must be taut and vibrating like a guitar string.” – Pelé - Brazil international player (1957-1971)
   
   This is a great quote and one that really strikes a chord with me. You have to have passion and enthusiasm for what you do. Otherwise, you won’t put in the hard work required to be one of the best.
   
   
4. “In football (soccer), the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There’s something greater than the result, more lasting – a legacy.” – Xavi - Spain international player (2000 - 2014)
   
   Remember that whilst individual games are important, it’s all about how consistent you are as a player or goalkeeper that matters. Sure you might make mistakes from time to time. Everybody does. But keep your chin up and always aim to do your best. This is especially important for goalkeepers who can often face the blame when it comes to losing a game. Which leads into the next quote...
   
   
5. “Everybody makes mistakes, but when goalkeepers make them, it is costly. That's the nature of being a goalkeeper.” - Gary Speed - Welsh International player (1990-2004)
   
   It’s the very essence of being a goalkeeper - You are keeping balls from crossing the line. But no keeper in history has a completely clean sheet. You just have to remind yourself that going into every game and training session.
   
   
6. “If you're a goalkeeper, it doesn't matter what you save the ball with - if you keep it out, it's not a goal.” - Mark Lawrenson - Republic of Ireland International player (1977-1987) / Professional soccer commentator.
   
   There’s a LOT of theory about how to be the best goalkeeper. Training drills are important. Of course they are. But at the end of the day if the ball doesn’t go over the line, you’ve done your job. Do whatever it takes to do that.
   
   
7. “The secret is to believe in your dreams; in your potential that you can be like your star, keep searching, keep believing and don’t lose faith in yourself.” – Neymar - Brazil international player (2009 - present)
   
   This is SUPER important. Soccer, as with a lot of things, is a mental game. You have to keep that belief that you will make it one day and act as such. Take opportunities, train hard and practise as much as you can. It’s a daily struggle but that’s what it takes to join the ranks of the most prestigious soccer players.
   
   
8. “In football (soccer), the worst blindness is only seeing the ball.” – Nelson Falcão Rodrigues - Sports Commentator 1960s & 70s
   
   As I talked about in this article one of the biggest mistakes that goalkeepers make is focusing to much on the ball and not on the other attacking players on the pitch. You have to build up your situational awareness so that you aren’t surprised by a last minute cross or a great pass. This is part of your job as a keeper.
   
   
9. “I think sometimes the best training is to rest.” – Cristiano Ronaldo - Portuguese international player (2001 - present)
   
   Yes, you might not believe it but RESTING is just as important as training. You need to give your body time to heal and repair itself. You need to let your mind rest and get plenty of sleep in order to be the best you can be when you step out onto that pitch. It’s easy to get burnt out and you will suffer for it in the end.
   
   
10. “I think I chose wisely. When it came down to it, I knew I was a better goalkeeper than I was a bowler.” - David Seaman - England International Goalkeeper (1988 - 2002)
    
    This is probably the most poignant quote in this post. This is about sacrifices. If you want to make it to the top (and you’re serious about it) there will be things that you have to sacrifice - hobbies, video games, etc. It’s up to you to decide if that sacrifice is worth achieving your goals (and also potentially not achieving them).