As a young footballer, it can feel like your entire identity is wrapped up in the game. But here’s something important: You are more than a footballer!
At times during my career, I found myself struggling with that identity. It hit me hard when I was without a club, and someone asked who I played for, or when I was injured, and people asked when I’d be back. Even being asked if I was starting when I knew I wasn’t in the squad was a reminder that so much of how people viewed me was tied to my role in football. The glitz and glamour of being a professional footballer might seem like a dream from the outside, but the reality is much more complex. Yes, there are incredible highs: the goals, the wins, the promotions. But for many of us, the internal battles, disappointments, and uncertainty can be overwhelming.
The real question that emerged for me, and perhaps for you too, is: Who am I alongside football? It’s a question of identity. Over the years, I’ve faced these deep, introspective questions, whether it was during the joy of winning or the frustration of being sidelined. Injuries, triumphs, defeats—they all made me realise one crucial truth: I am more than what happens on the pitch.
Society tends to simplify our worth down to our football performance, and many players internalise this message. We begin to believe that football defines us. But here’s the thing: Football is something you do, not who you are. That shift in perspective is vital. If you only see yourself as a footballer, your sense of self will rise and fall with the game’s unpredictable outcomes, leading to an unstable sense of identity. Instead, recognise that you’re so much more than your performances. You have talents, interests, and qualities outside of football. You’re a person first—a person who happens to play football—and you will continue to be that person long after your playing days are over. So, let’s challenge ourselves to reclaim our full identities. The banner above every footballer’s head should read: “I AM … MORE THAN A FOOTBALLER!”
Here’s some advice on how to live this out:
- Reflect on who you are outside of football, and consider the other roles, talents, and passions that define you.
- Evaluate how you manage the pressures and expectations of being a footballer and recognise how they influence your sense of self.
- Take proactive steps to explore and strengthen your identity as ‘More Than A Footballer’, ensuring a well-rounded, fulfilling life.
Tobi Sho-Silva
Professional FootballerFounder of ‘More Than A Footballer’🤝🏾🤝🏾
Instagram: Tobisho_
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LinkedIn: Tobi Sho-Silva
📣 Hello LONDON!
Daniel, Tobi and Chris are going "Live in London" hosting an evening on the 6th of November 6pm-9pm.
Equipping Parents and Young Players to Go Beyond Football
The evening will:
1️⃣ Create an exclusive, informative event for parents of young footballers and aspiring players
2️⃣ Provide a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing
3️⃣ Showcase the latest data-driven approaches to player welfare and career development
4️⃣ Empower everyone who attends to take control of their future
