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Every young footballer knows this feeling: you play in your position since childhood, you give it everything, and suddenly someone tells you that you’re not good enough. For many, that’s the moment the dream fades. But not for Fabian Schär.
Today he’s a key defender for Newcastle United and the Swiss national team, playing every week in one of the best leagues in the world. But his journey began with disappointment.
"YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE A STRIKER"
When Schär was a teenager, he played as a striker. He scored goals, dreaming of being like Shevchenko or Inzaghi. But in youth teams, he kept hearing the same thing: he lacked “something” — speed, dribbling, instinct.
He was pushed out of the starting lineup. Many would have given up. But he didn’t.
His coach suggested moving him to defence. For a young player, that felt like a demotion. But Schär took it as a challenge. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he treated it as an opportunity.
HE UNDERSTOOD THAT STRENGTH LIES IN ADAPTATION
Instead of trying to be someone he wasn’t, Fabian started developing new traits — reading the game, anticipating opponents, staying calm on the ball.
His experience as a forward actually helped him. He understood strikers — their runs, their mindset, their tricks.
What was once his weakness became his greatest advantage.
FROM SWISS LEAGUE TO PREMIER LEAGUE
Schär kept climbing: from Wil 1900 to Basel, then Hoffenheim, Deportivo La Coruña, and Newcastle. The same pattern everywhere — hard work, no complaints, total trust in the process.
He didn’t chase attention or headlines, but his name became synonymous with intelligence, discipline, and reliability on the pitch.
Now he plays against the best forwards in the world. And to think — he was once told he wasn’t good enough to attack.
A LESSON FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Not always does the most talented player win. Sometimes the one who wins is the one who can adapt, who stays open to change, and who takes a step sideways to move forward later.
If your coach tells you today that he sees you in another position — don’t see it as failure.
It might be the very moment your real career begins.
FABIAN SCHÄR’S MESSAGE
“It doesn’t matter what position you play. What matters is that you play for the team and never stop improving.”
