I’d like to begin with a quote from Former President of Nigeria, Retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari: “Until we distinguish between those who earn their keep and looters, the next generation may confuse looting for a career.”
As we journey further from simpler times, life has grown increasingly complex. Money, often called the root of all evil by the wise of old, now takes center stage, dictating the new standard for life’s foundations.
Achieving one’s dreams is a journey, not a destination. It’s the fusion of inspiration with innate abilities, the convergence of vision and determination. In a world unforgiving of idleness, success stories often emerge from those who dreamt of a better life, those who yearned for something more than their origins, except for those who choose to remain impostors among the living.
Consider this: the possessions you amass through your hard work will fade in time. They serve to ease your life in the present, but they also carry a responsibility to pass on a legacy imbued with honesty to the next generation.
Think of football, for instance. We’ve witnessed rich nations like Saudi Arabia using their wealth to attract footballers, aspiring to boost their national soccer and league. Will this investment truly elevate the sport’s standard? Only time will reveal the answer. We can draw lessons from China’s experience when they attempted something similar. Did it significantly enhance their league, or did it lack proper governance to raise the bar? Perhaps China played host to players purely for entertainment, neglecting mentorship for their own rising stars. Is it a matter of effort or inherent challenges?
It’s intriguing how players now see lucrative offers as opportunities to reshape their generation’s destiny. While some truly bear the torch of humanity with their newfound wealth, others offer excuses like poverty and the desire to elevate their family’s status. Football earnings are attractive in their own right.
It’s realistic for players nearing retirement to secure substantial offers as compensation for their hard work, passion, and dedication, as they near the end of their careers. However, it’s concerning when young talents abandon their potential for immediate gain. The risks of such decisions are more significant than their apparent rewards. Will the succeeding generation merely seek prosperity globally without contributing to society? Must they chase wealth at the expense of leaving a legacy or making history? What about players funding projects for their families—how can they ensure long-term impact and quality control?
It’s commendable to build a name, but a name founded solely on material wealth is hollow. Lay a sturdy foundation by awakening the inner strength of your own, nurturing their hunger, even when they start life with comfort. This can be achieved by setting meaningful records. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi wouldn’t dominate headlines if they hadn’t cemented their legacies.
In the words of Billy Graham, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to children and grandchildren is not material wealth but a legacy of character and faith.” Players and professionals in various fields should avoid burning their own bridges with unrealistic wishes. Instead, they should maintain their integrity, host a legacy of honesty, and seize legal opportunities to secure their futures. These actions will not only benefit their own lineage but also inspire others to pursue their passions over greed.
