Every soccer quote that has been recited to date plays a significant role in bringing out the best in someone, be it motivating or inspiring. Of course, it is difficult to determine which ones are the best but below is a mention of a few that go a long way.
- "A champion is someone who does not settle for that day's practice, that day's competition, that day's performance. They are always striving to be better. They don't live in the past." – Briana Scurry
- "One of my favorite things about soccer is how the art and passion of the game somehow unites people, nations and races." — Tobin Heath
- "Pele called me the greatest footballer in the world. That is the ultimate salute to my life." — George Best
- "Every soccer player can be on the edge, at the limit, be the bad guy. We have to get used to it. Sometimes I am one of those." — Luis Suarez
- "If you are first you are first. If you are second, you are nothing." — Bill Shankly
- "There are two types of football – there's physical football and football talent." – Xavi
- "Every kid around the world who plays soccer wants to be Pele. I have a great responsibility to show them not just how to be like a soccer player, but how to be like a man." – Pele
- "A champion is someone who does not settle for that day's practice, that day's competition, that day's performance. They are always striving to be better. They don't live in the past." – Briana Scurry
- "When I go to the press conference before the game, in my mind the game has already started." — Jose Mourinho
- "I have a need to play intensely every day, to fight every match hard." — Zinedine Zidane
- "To see the ball, to run after it, makes me the happiest man in the world." — Diego Maradona
- "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm a European champion and I think I'm a special one." — Jose Mourinho
- "Most eyes can see what the player can do, but few eyes can see what effect the player has." – Andrea Pirlo
- "If you want to be a professional soccer player, if you want to make the national team, you have to do everything possible to work hard. You've got to put it number one." – Carli Lloyd
- "To be the ultimate team, you must use your body and your mind. Draw upon the resources of your teammates. Choose your steps wisely and you will win." — Jose Mourinho
- "I'm going to remember to have fun this time. Life is too short for the stress and the drama." — Romelu Lukaku
- "If I walked on water, my accusers would say it is because I can't swim." — Berti Vogts
- "Take the risk, or lose the chance." — Eden Hazard
