Keira Walsh
~Midfield Maestro
Apr 08' 1997
England
The Exhilarating Story...
Keira Walsh, born on April 8, 1997, in Rochdale, England, has risen to become one of the most formidable midfielders in women's football. Raised by her parents, Peter and Tracy Walsh, Keira found her passion for football at an early age, playing in her backyard with her father. Her story is one of perseverance, talent, and unwavering support from her family and mentors. Growing up in the Pennines, Keira faced the challenge of breaking into a sport dominated by gender stereotypes. Her parents, especially her father, played a crucial role in nurturing her talent, driving her to training sessions, and instilling confidence in her abilities. Despite facing skepticism about women's football, Keira's dedication never wavered. Keira's journey took a significant turn when she joined Manchester City in 2014 as a teenager. She played a pivotal role in securing several titles, including the Women's Super League and FA Cup. In 2022, she made history by transferring to FC Barcelona for a record fee, solidifying her position as a global football icon. At Barcelona, she added multiple Champions League and domestic titles to her name. Internationally, Keira made her senior debut for England in 2017 and became a cornerstone of the team. Her standout performance at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final earned her the Player of the Match award, a testament to her exceptional skill and composure under pressure. Keira has been vocal about the importance of mental health in her journey. Transitioning to Barcelona came with its challenges, such as adapting to a new culture and team dynamics. She credited her teammates, including fellow England international Lucy Bronze, and her family for their unwavering support during this period. Keira recently helped Barcelona win another Champions League and played a crucial role in England's run to the final at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A mural celebrating her achievements was unveiled in Rochdale in 2024, a testament to her enduring impact on her hometown and beyond.
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You've got to believe in yourself and always know that hard work always pays off.
Career
Last updated: Nov 19' 2024
Blackburn Rovers
- Career: 2014
- Total Appearances: 9
- Total Goals: 3
Manchester City
- Career: 2014-2022
- Total Appearances: 118
- Total Goals: 6
Barcelona
- Career: 2022 - Present
- Total Appearances: 58
- Total Goals: 4
England Football Team
- Career: 2017 - Present
- Total Appearances: 78
Achievements
Manchester City
- 1x FA Women's Super League
- 3x Women's FA Cup
- 4x FA Women's League Cup
Barcelona
- 2x UEFA Women's Champions League
- 2x Liga F
- 1x Copa de la Reina
- 2x Supercopa de España Femenina
England
- 1x UEFA Women's Championship
- 1x Women's Finalissima
- 1x SheBelieves Cup
- 2x Arnold Clark Cup
Individual
- 1x Greater Manchester Young Sports Person of the Year
- 1x Blackburn Rovers Girls' Centre of Excellence Overall Achievement Trophy
- 1x Blackburn Rovers Girls' Centre of Excellence International Recognition Award
- 1x UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament
- 1x Blackburn Rovers Special Achievement Award
- 1x Manchester City Women's Rising Star
- 1x Northwest Football Awards Women's Rising Star
- 1x Manchester City W.F.C. Official Supporters' Club Player of the Season
- 1x UEFA Women's Championship Team of the Tournament
- 2x FIFA FIFPRO Women's World 11
- 1x Women's Football Awards International Player of the Year
- 1x Freedom of the borough of Rochdale
- 1x Freedom of the City of London
Celebrating
Il Divin Codino
Football
May 09' 2025
Celebrating Humility & Discipline Roberto Baggio.
Roberto Baggio was born on 18 February 1967 in Caldogno, a small town in northern Italy. Raised in a humble family of eight children, Baggio’s parents, Matilde and Fiorindo Baggio, supported their son’s passion for football from an early age. His father, a keen amateur footballer himself, noticed Roberto’s talent and dedication even before he turned ten. But none of them could foresee the rollercoaster path that awaited him. At the age of 18, while playing for Vicenza, Baggio suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury—an injury so severe that doctors initially believed he might never walk again, let alone play professional football. The year was 1985, and sports medicine wasn’t nearly as advanced. He underwent two major surgeries and had 220 stitches in his knee. But Baggio refused to let his dream die. This is where his incredible resilience started to shine. As part of his recovery, Baggio turned to Buddhism, which helped him not only deal with the physical pain but also the emotional turmoil of being sidelined just as his career was taking off. His mental strength became his greatest weapon. Coaches, doctors, and spiritual guides supported his return, but it was Baggio’s unyielding spirit that drove the comeback. Despite lingering injuries throughout his career, Baggio continued to excel, eventually joining Fiorentina, where he became a cult hero. He later played for Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, among others. But his crowning achievement—and heartbreak—came during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Baggio carried Italy to the final, scoring five crucial goals. But in the final against Brazil, he missed the decisive penalty in the shootout. That moment could’ve broken anyone. But Baggio took it with grace, saying, “Only those who have the courage to take a penalty miss them.” Baggio’s humility and integrity won him admiration worldwide. He didn't seek excuses. Instead, he kept playing, inspiring teammates and fans. In 2004, Pelé included Baggio in FIFA's list of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers, recognizing his immense impact on the game. What sets him apart isn't just skill—it's his character, forged through pain. Throughout his journey, Baggio credited several figures for shaping his resilience—his father, who instilled discipline; his coaches, who believed in him despite the odds; and his Buddhist mentor, who taught him to find inner peace. These supporters didn’t shield him from struggle—they helped him navigate through it. After retiring in 2004, Baggio stayed largely out of the limelight, embracing a quiet life with his wife Andreina Fabbi and their children. He briefly served as head of Italy's technical sector but preferred the simplicity of country life, often seen tending to his farm or supporting local youth projects. In recent years, he’s become a symbol of silent leadership—a reminder that greatness doesn’t always need a spotlight. In 2023, Roberto Baggio featured in Netflix's Italian biopic “Il Divin Codino” (The Divine Ponytail), rekindling global admiration for his incredible journey. The film brought new fans into the fold and reminded older ones why Baggio remains a timeless figure in world football. Roberto Baggio's story is not just about goals, trophies, or missed penalties—it's about enduring faith, discipline, and humility. It’s a message to every young athlete: setbacks don’t define you, your response does.
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Celebrating
Kean
Football
May 08' 2025
Celebrating Talent & Perseverance Bioty Moise Kean.
Born on February 28, 2000, in Vercelli, Italy, Bioty Moise Kean grew up in difficult circumstances. His parents were immigrants from Ivory Coast—his mother Isabelle left his father early in Moise’s childhood, raising him and his brothers alone. The family struggled with finances, often relying on social services and temporary shelters to get by. Yet amidst the uncertainty, young Kean developed a passion for football that would become his refuge. Isabelle, a woman of fierce resilience, did everything she could to support her son’s dream. Even when there was no money for football boots or travel expenses, she stood behind Moise’s aspirations. Her sacrifices became the emotional bedrock of his ambition. She would walk him to training, work multiple jobs, and constantly remind him, “Your legs will carry you far.” Moise’s talent was undeniable. At just 10 years old, he joined Torino’s youth academy, and soon after, Juventus recognized his raw power and potential. He became the youngest player to debut for Juve in Serie A at age 16. But rapid success came with unique pressures—racial abuse, media scrutiny, and immense expectations weighed heavily on his young shoulders. One of the lowest moments of Kean’s career came in 2019 while playing for Juventus against Cagliari. After scoring, he was subjected to racist chants from sections of the crowd. When he calmly raised his arms in response, he was criticized by some—including then teammate Leonardo Bonucci. But Moise didn’t break. He responded with dignity, gaining global support from fans, players, and anti-racism advocates. This episode became a turning point in his maturity and resolve. Throughout his career, Kean has been fortunate to have key mentors. At Juventus, Gianluigi Buffon often acted as a guardian figure, reminding him of professionalism and composure. At Paris Saint-Germain, where he went on loan, Neymar and Mbappé welcomed him warmly, helping him regain confidence after a turbulent period at Everton. Their belief in him made a crucial difference. Representing Italy at youth and senior levels, Moise Kean felt both pressure and pride. He became the first player born in the 2000s to score for Italy. He carries not just his own aspirations, but the hope of a more diverse and inclusive Azzurri. His presence is a symbol of a new Italy—talented, resilient, and multicultural. Kean’s career hasn’t been without stumbles. Disciplinary issues and inconsistent form saw him criticized by clubs and fans. But recent seasons show a more focused player. He has publicly acknowledged his past mistakes and sought support from psychologists and mentors. His evolution is ongoing, and it’s driven by the desire to make his family and country proud. After spells in England and France, Kean returned to Juventus with renewed determination. The 2023–24 season saw him score crucial goals, regaining his spot in the squad and becoming a reliable forward. His fitness, mindset, and tactical intelligence have improved. He’s no longer the hot prospect—he’s now the experienced young leader. Today, Moise Kean uses his platform to inspire young athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. He regularly speaks about the importance of mental strength, education, and resilience. In a world where many gifted players are left behind due to circumstance, Kean stands as proof that talent + perseverance = destiny. Moise Kean’s story isn’t finished—it’s still unfolding. But his journey so far is a masterclass in bouncing back. He reminds us that even when your beginnings are humble and your path is rough, with the right guidance, grit, and belief, you can become the person the world never saw coming.
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Celebrating
Lookman
Football
May 07' 2025
Celebrating Faith & Resilience Ademola Lookman.
Born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman was the child of Nigerian parents who moved to the UK in search of a better life. Raised in a modest household, his parents instilled in him a deep respect for education, discipline, and perseverance. But for Lookman, football was more than just a game—it was a lifeline. As a child, Lookman would juggle his schoolbooks and a football, sometimes practicing alone at local parks when academies overlooked him. His early teenage years were filled with rejection. Many top football academies in England didn’t see the "it" factor in him. The rejections could have broken him, but Lookman kept going—fuelled by sheer belief and an unwavering work ethic. His break came at Charlton Athletic, a club that took a chance on him when he was just 16. He balanced football and studies, earning excellent academic results while training intensely. Charlton's coaches were amazed at his pace, technical control, and hunger. This period marked his first step away from obscurity. By 2015, his senior debut at Charlton was turning heads. Everton came calling in 2017, signing him for a reported £11 million. The move was exciting, but with it came immense pressure. He faced inconsistent game time and had to prove himself again—especially in a system that didn’t always play to his strengths. Lookman’s time at Everton was a mental battle. But he didn’t isolate himself. Support came in the form of mentors, including senior teammates and coaches who urged him to explore loan moves for experience. That led to RB Leipzig, where he impressed instantly—scoring a debut winner and regaining his confidence. Switching national allegiances to Nigeria in 2022 was a turning point. Though born in England, Lookman proudly embraced his roots. He found a deeper sense of purpose wearing the green and white jersey. With the Nigerian team, he played not just for glory, but for identity, family, and the dreams of young African children. In 2023–24, playing for Atalanta in Serie A, Lookman began to shine consistently. His recent UEFA Europa League final heroics in May 2024, where he scored a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, stunned the world. It was the first-ever hat-trick in a Europa League final, making Lookman a continental icon overnight. Despite the fame, Lookman remains grounded. He credits his parents, youth coaches at Charlton, and mentors across Europe for his evolution. From playing street football in South London to becoming a symbol of hope for two nations—his is a story of resilience, faith, and grit. Today, Ademola Lookman is more than a player—he’s a beacon for every young athlete who’s ever been doubted, every immigrant family that started from scratch, and every child with a dream too big for their circumstances.
