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Many young footballers dream of a professional career, but only a few manage to succeed. One of the most crucial elements on this journey is courage and the ability to overcome fear, which can destroy a career before it even begins. "Success begins where fear ends" is a motto followed by the world's best footballers, including Kylian Mbappé, one of the most talented players of our time. In this article, we will explore five common fears that can hinder the growth of young footballers and show how to overcome them, inspired by Mbappé's story.
1. FEAR OF FAILURE
Failure is a natural part of sports, but many young players treat it as an ultimate defeat. They fear not meeting the expectations of their coach, family, or peers. Kylian Mbappé, despite his young age, learned to view failures as lessons. In the 2020 European Championship final, when France was eliminated after his missed penalty, Mbappé openly admitted he had to face a wave of criticism and his own fears. As he said, “You can't let failures define your career. They are moments that help you grow.”
How to overcome the fear of failure?
- Treat every failure as an opportunity to improve.
- Understand that even the world's best players make mistakes.
- Focus on learning and improving rather than dwelling on setbacks.
2. FEAR OF JUDGMENT AND CRITICISM
Young footballers often fear that their skills won’t be enough and that criticism will destroy their confidence. Mbappé, playing as a teenager for Paris Saint-Germain, had to face immense pressure from the media and fans. In such moments, focusing on what he could control was key. “Criticism will always be there – you have to learn to ignore it or turn it into motivation,” he said.
How to overcome the fear of criticism?
- Focus on your own development instead of others’ opinions.
- Find support from a coach, family, or mentor.
- Transform negative comments into motivation to work harder.
3. FEAR OF TAKING RISKS
Many young players are afraid of taking risks – whether it’s switching clubs, playing in a new position, or trying new techniques on the pitch. Kylian Mbappé, at the age of 18, took a risk by moving to Paris Saint-Germain, one of the biggest clubs in the world. He could have stayed at AS Monaco and developed at a slower pace, but he chose uncertainty. “Risk is a part of success. Without it, you’ll never know what you’re capable of,” he said.
How to overcome the fear of taking risks?
- Remember that risk is a part of growth.
- Analyze potential consequences, but don’t let fear paralyze you.
- Have the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
4. FEAR OF INJURY
Injuries are one of the biggest threats to a football career. Many players, seeing their teammates injured, start playing more cautiously, which can affect their performance. Mbappé has experienced injuries that ruled him out of crucial matches, but he always came back stronger. “Injuries are part of football. What matters is how you handle rehabilitation and your return to the field,” he said.
How to overcome the fear of injury?
- Focus on prevention: proper diet, strength training, and recovery are essential.
- Work with a physiotherapist to build resistance to injuries.
- Concentrate on the recovery process rather than what you’ve lost.
5. FEAR OF SUCCESS
Though it may sound paradoxical, some young players fear success. They worry they won’t be able to live up to expectations associated with playing at the highest level. Kylian Mbappé, winning the World Cup at just 19 years old, became one of the biggest stars in football. Instead of avoiding pressure, he embraced it. “Pressure is a privilege. It means people believe in your abilities,” he said.
How to overcome the fear of success?
- Focus on daily work rather than others' expectations.
- Celebrate your achievements but stay focused on the future.
- Find a balance between ambition and joy for the game.
CONCLUSION: SUCCESS BEGINS WHERE FEAR ENDS
The fear of failure, criticism, risk, injury, or success are barriers that many young footballers face on their journey. However, Kylian Mbappé's story shows that the key to achieving success is courage and perseverance. Success in football doesn’t come easily – it requires overcoming your fears and constantly working on yourself. Remember: where fear ends, your path to the top begins.
