Written by: Stefan Peter, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Soccer is a sport that demands physical prowess, technical finesse, and tactical intelligence. While these attributes are undoubtedly crucial, they are not the sole determinants of success on the pitch. In recent years, a growing emphasis has been placed on the importance of personality development in soccer players.
Even KPMG's player valuation
is taking personality and mentality, communication skills, mental strength and emotional intelligence into account. Scouts, Teams and Agencies look for mentally and emotionally mature players in order to assess their future performance, marketability and fit for the team.
Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham are perfect examples for this.
Beyond mastering soccer skills, nurturing the right mindset and emotional strength and emotional intelligence can make a significant difference in an athlete's performance and especially overall well-being. Yes, for some people the saying „diamonds are created under pressure“ might be true but most people perform at their highest level when they feel mentally and emotionally in balance. In this article, we delve into the reasons why personality development matters for soccer players and explore strategies to cultivate it effectively.
Increasing performance in one of the most demanding environments without losing love of the game is what we strive for. Everywhere in life where pressure mounts high, those strategies can be applied.
The holistic athlete: Beyond physical skill
While technical proficiency and physical fitness are undeniably vital in soccer, they represent only one facet of an athlete's potential. Personality development encompasses traits like mental resilience, emotional intelligence, adaptability, leadership and more. These qualities can influence an athlete's ability to handle pressure, adapt to changing game scenarios, and work cohesively within a team and helps avoid performance blockages and inconsistencies.
The keyword for me as a mental trainer and personal development coach, working with coaches and athletes of teams such as NY Red Bulls, Gotham FC and several European first and second-division players, is "Performance – Joy"
At the end of a soccer career a human being makes the transition into another part of his or her life. Many look anxiously into the future, fearing the end of their careers and losing their status as pro athletes:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
"I have this fear about retirement: what will happen next? I know I will have other possibilities and offers, but this adrenaline I feel on the pitch, I know I won't find that anywhere else. That's why I'm having this panic. Follow this link for the full article.
Mental toughness: Navigating challenges
Soccer, like any sport, is full of challenges and setbacks. A strong personality equips players with the mental toughness and resilience to bounce back from failures, setbacks, and injuries. Developing a growth mindset that sees failures as opportunities and injuries as potential signs to look inwards, can enhance an athlete's ability to persevere and ultimately succeed.
EI – Emotional intelligence: Enhancing interactions!
Soccer is a team sport, relying on effective communication, collaboration, and understanding among players. Emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness and empathy, enables athletes to forge strong interpersonal relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive team environment. Every personality is different, knowing your teammates' personalities helps a team to elevate the collective performance to win titles. One key element for the sensational Premiere League win 2015-16 of Leicester City as Ranieri explained here.
Adaptability: Thriving in dynamic environments!
In the fast-paced world of soccer, the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is invaluable. Personality development cultivates adaptability, allowing players to adjust not only their strategies, tactics, and playing style to suit different opponents and situations but also their mindset, self-talk and even using their often doomed emotions such as anger or fear as a source of energy.
Leadership and communication: Guiding the team
Effective leadership and communication skills are integral to any successful soccer team. Personality development nurtures these qualities, enabling players to take initiative, inspire teammates, and make critical decisions on the field. Many younger players struggle with eye to eye communication, lack true self-confidence or only play confident. For clubs and scouts those are crucial aspects when they look for the next perfect signing during a transfer window.
Strategies for effective personality development
Those are also crucial aspects of my 1:1 coaching and my online course as part of the 29-day Emotionset Method. To find out more visit here and book a 15-minute coaching slot.
Self-awareness: The foundation
Self-awareness and the ability to identify the real reasons behind a players lack of performance or lack of fulfillment and satisfaction, is the cornerstone of Personality Development. Players must reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, values, goals, the past and the present. By understanding themselves better, together we identify areas for improvement and tailor development strategies accordingly.
Emotional awareness: Emotions drive actions
The strongest muscles in our body are our emotions. They easily overwrite our positive thoughts. Just think of someone with test anxiety or performance anxiety. This is why working on emotional triggers and following behavior is the most important first step. Many forget about that completely and wonder why mental training and positive affirmations or reading books about mindset do not work for them.
Mindfulness and mental training: Cultivating resilience
Only then mindfulness techniques and mental training can help soccer players manage stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Practices like meditation, visualization, and positive self-talk enhance mental clarity and resilience, improving overall performance and well-being.
Correct goal setting: Driving progress
Setting clear, achievable goals is pivotal in personality development without losing the love for the game. Incorrect goal setting can be dangerous as I have explained in this article. Whether aiming to improve emotional resilience or communication skills, well-defined goals provide direction and motivation for continuous growth without losing love of the game.
Emotional regulation: Managing intense situations
Soccer is an emotionally charged sport, and the ability to regulate emotions is vital. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and strategies that help with acceptance and letting go, can help players stay focused and composed during high-pressure situations. Here are 3 more instant mindset hacks for soccer players
Communication workshops: Enhancing team dynamics
Engaging in communication workshops and team-building exercises can strengthen a player's ability to connect with teammates and communicate effectively on and off the field. These activities foster trust and camaraderie, enhancing overall team performance.
Personalized coaching: Targeted growth
Working with a knowledgeable coach who understands the intricacies of personality development for pro soccer players can provide personalized guidance. As a coach I can identify specific areas for improvement and tailor training programs to your challenges and goals. All we need for that is a first 15-mins zoom session that you can directly book on my website or via mail: office@stefanpetercoaching.com
Conclusion
Personality development has evolved from being a secondary consideration to a fundamental aspect of success in soccer. The holistic pro soccer player, characterized by mental resilience, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership skills, is better equipped to thrive both on and off the field. As the soccer landscape continues to evolve, the significance of nurturing these qualities becomes increasingly apparent. Lucia Ondrusova who had played for European clubs like Sparta Prague, Koln, Basel and Hellas Verona describes in this article how a mental coach has helped her.
By implementing professional personality development soccer players can make the next step in their career. Pro soccer players avoid inconsistent performances or feeling unfulfilled, blocked or caught up in worries about their future. If you want to unlock your full potential and elevate your soccer performance to new heights you need a mental coach on your side.
Stefan Peter, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stefan Peter is an expert in personal development. He works mainly with international athletes and coaches in the fields of Soccer, Tennis, Basketball and American Football. His own experience with depression as a young athlete, after the death of his father, inspired him to become a coach and a mentor to athletes in similar situations. His major passion is to empower people to unlock their full performance potential and (re)discover inner fulfillment and performance joy. He is the creator of the 4 steps Emotionset-Method and holds a Masters Degree in Sports Health and Leadership.
