Soccer

These photos, annotated with Steph’s own words, show what rehab from a serious injury looks like, as well as the pressure, disappointment and hope that run through the mind of an elite athlete.

Jill Scott announces her retirement: “If you don’t love it, you don’t last. You can’t. The dream is what sustains you.”

Retired soccer star Jermain Defoe reflects on his career and the people who have shaped his life: “I feel so lucky, and I’ve never taken anything for granted.”

Nadia Nadim on her ultimate goal: “We have to be on the same team. We're all living on the same planet. So the question is: Will we learn how to play together?”

Debinha on why she plays the game: “When I wear the Brazilian team shirt, I feel that I’m representing not only my dream, but that of all girls and women who dream of seeing our sport at the top.”

My heart jumps every time I hear my name read out on the team sheet with all those big names.

Sara Gama pens a letter to her younger self: “I am writing to let you know that you are going to become someone that you never thought you could be.”

Alexandre Pato opens up: “I know what you’re thinking. I’ve heard it for 10 years.”

USMNT’s Kellyn Acosta wrote this in honor of AAPI Heritage Month.

Éder Militão pens a letter to his younger self.

Jacob Ramsey on playing for Aston Villa: “I’m so lucky to wake up every morning and go train and play for Aston Villa.”

Antontion Rüdiger pens a goodbye to Chelsea.

Chioma Ubogagu on her doping ban: “The law is black and white, but the reality is far more complex.”

Lotte Wubben-Moy strives for equal access to the sport she loves: “Equal opportunity to play football at youth level is something that I will continue to fight for as my career as a professional footballer progresses.”

Allow Granit Xhaka to set the record straight: “I lived through that nightmare once. I don’t ever want to do it again.” 

Arsenal and Scotland player Jen Beattie details her battle with cancer: “There’s no reset button quite like cancer.”

Molly Bartrip opens up about her battle with anorexia nervosa, depression and anxiety: “I wasn’t just ruining my mind, I was ruining my body.” 

Growing up, it was Alexia Putellas’ dream to play for Barcelona. Now, she’s a Barça midfielder and a Ballon d’Or winner.

This is Romário in his own words: “Whatever I did, good or bad, it came from the heart.” 

André Onana opens up: “This is the truth, for those who want to hear it.”

"I didn't think I was capable of being a part of this world." Diego Lugano reflects on his career trajectory and connection to São Paulo.

Watch as Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min, Harry Winks, Ben Davies and Ledley King reflect on derby day memories from years past.

Lorenzo Pellegrini was destined to play for Roma: “I was dreaming of running out in front of the fans at the Stadio Olimpico.”

For Xabi Alonso, when Liverpool plays AC Milan, it always transports him back to that miraculous night in Istanbul.