What can you do about bullying? Examples from football

How do you deal with being belittled without losing sight of your own worth?

A remark in the dressing room. Laughter in a group. A clip that reduces you to one unsuccessful moment. Suddenly, it is about more than football.

‘What can you do about bullying? Examples from football’ takes the impact of these experiences seriously. Athletes’ stories sit alongside the question of how to separate your own worth from other people’s attempts to put you down.

This article invites players, coaches and parents to pay attention and talk. Which words stay with you? Who can help? Your place in a team should not depend on how long you can silently endure hurtful treatment.

If your teammates or schoolmates often tease you or laugh at you, this article is for you. First, remember that you are not the only person being treated badly or bullied. Above all, the bullying is not your fault. You deserve respect. Other people’s put-downs do not reveal what you have inside — and they should not decide which path you take.

So how should you respond?

Try to stay calm and avoid being drawn into a provocation. Move somewhere safe if necessary and speak to someone you trust: a parent, coach or teacher. Direct your energy towards people who support you and the goals you want to work for.

Just as John Arne Riise did.

John Arne Riise was mocked at school for his appearance. After winning the Champions League final, he returned to his home town in 2005 and visited a McDonald’s where a man who had bullied him worked. Riise showed him his Champions League winner’s medal. He later wrote a book about his experiences — perhaps you should read it.

Robert Lewandowski, an idol today, was once cruelly mocked. When he played for Borussia Dortmund, WDR television published a video portraying him as a failure who could not even go to the toilet. He was called “Lewandoofski”. Today he is an FC Bayern Munich legend and has achieved more than his former mockers.

Cristiano Ronaldo was mocked for his accent by teammates after moving from Madeira to Lisbon. Once, having had enough, he even threw a chair at a teacher. It was a difficult period, yet CR7 is now one of football’s greatest players. His former critics? They probably envy him by now.

How should you act?

Take inspiration from these three players — there are many more examples, including outside football. Keep following your path. People who belittle you today do not have to determine how you see yourself tomorrow. Perhaps one day they will watch on a big screen what you have made of your opportunities. :)

Turn negative energy into an active force for life. Fight for your dreams and seek out people who bring something positive to your life. Every step along your own path is a powerful answer to the voices that wanted to hold you back.

If you are threatened or hurt, get support immediately. Save abusive messages and discuss them with an adult you trust.