About me

I'm a graduate student and was reading this article to finish my bibliography writing for one of my academic papers. As a huge West Ham fan, I started to think about the influence of famous football players on students.

I'm amazed at how great football players can affect young people, even college students. There are things that these football stars have done off the field that affect beliefs, values, and goals that go far beyond a love of football.

First, let's look at the most clear influence: football idols encouraging younger people to play the game. Kids look up to heroes who play at the top level and want to be as good as them. Mark Noble and Paolo Di Canio are examples of players who never give up. Their unwavering work ethic, commitment, and “never say die” attitude inspire students to be just as passionate about their academic and extracurricular interests.

But football stars have an impact that goes beyond just inspiring people to play football. Marcus Rashford's work to fight child poverty and Juan Mata's Common Goal project are two examples of their charitable work that strikes a chord with today's socially aware students. These athletes use their fame to set a good example for young people by supporting important causes that teach them how to be good citizens.

Let's not forget the business sense of current footballers who have turned their skills into starting their own businesses and investing after they retire. Some football players, like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have built multimillion-pound businesses. This makes students want to be like them and be successful in business.

In the end, great football players reflect the values that colleges want to teach all of their students, such as:
- Perseverance
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Giving back to communities
- Passion and drive to succeed

As I work towards my degree, I draw inspiration from the West Ham legends whose impact extends far beyond the hallowed turf of the London Stadium. One passage of play at a time, they help kids become well-rounded people who are ready to take on the world.