150+ Funny quotes about soccer

Soccer, known as football in most parts of the world, is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. The beautiful game has the power to unite people, inspire greatness, and create unforgettable moments. From the thrill of scoring a goal to the agony of a heartbreaking loss, soccer evokes a wide range of emotions that resonate with players and fans alike.

One of the most powerful aspects of soccer is the wisdom and inspiration that can be gleaned from the words of its greatest players, coaches, and commentators. These soccer quotes encapsulate the passion, dedication, and life lessons that the sport embodies. Whether you’re a player looking for motivation, a coach seeking to inspire your team, or a fan in need of a reminder of why you love the game, these 101 inspirational soccer quotes are sure to strike a chord.

The Power of Perseverance

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pelé

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé’s words underscore the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success, both on and off the pitch. Soccer, like life, rewards those who are willing to put in the effort and never give up, even in the face of adversity.

Other quotes that highlight the power of perseverance include:

• “The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion when no one else is watching.” – Mia Hamm
• “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” – Lionel Messi

These quotes serve as a reminder that true success is earned through tireless effort and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals.

The Importance of Teamwork

“I am constantly being asked about individuals. The only way to win is as a team. Football is not about one or two or three star players.” – Pelé

Soccer is a team sport, and the most successful teams are those that work together seamlessly. Pelé’s quote emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the idea that no single player, no matter how talented, can win a game alone.

Other quotes that stress the significance of teamwork include:

• “To win you have to score one more goal than your opponent.” – Johan Cruyff
• “I once cried because I had no shoes to play soccer, but one day, I met a man who had no feet.” – Zinedine Zidane

These quotes highlight the fact that soccer is a sport that requires players to work together, support one another, and keep things in perspective.

The Role of Passion

“Football is the only sport where you put people together, it doesn’t matter if you are rich, or poor, or black, or white. It is one nation. This is the beauty of football.” – Didier Drogba

Ivorian striker Didier Drogba’s words capture the unifying power of soccer and the passion it inspires in people from all walks of life. The love for the game transcends social, economic, and racial barriers, bringing people together in a shared experience.

Other quotes that showcase the role of passion in soccer include:

• “I learned all about life with a ball at my feet.” – Ronaldinho
• “Soccer isn’t the same as Bach or Buddhism. But it is often more deeply felt than religion, and just as much a part of the community’s fabric, a repository of traditions.” – Franklin Foer

These quotes underscore the idea that soccer is more than just a game – it’s a passion that shapes lives, communities, and cultures.

The Value of Resilience

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

While not specifically about soccer, this quote from basketball legend Michael Jordan speaks to the importance of resilience in any pursuit, including sports. Soccer players must learn to bounce back from setbacks, failures, and disappointments in order to grow and succeed.

Other quotes that highlight the value of resilience include:

• “It is not just about the money, it is about what you achieve on the pitch.” – Ronaldinho
• “Behind every kick of the ball there has to be a thought.” – Dennis Bergkamp

These quotes remind us that success in soccer, as in life, often comes from the ability to learn from one’s mistakes, adapt, and keep pushing forward.

The Significance of Sportsmanship

“I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball.” – Roy Maurice Keane

Irish soccer legend Roy Keane’s words emphasize the idea that true skill comes from a genuine love for the game, not just from coaching or training. This love for the sport should be coupled with a respect for one’s opponents and the rules of the game.

Other quotes that underscore the significance of sportsmanship include:

• “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” – Mia Hamm
• “I don’t believe in revenge. When people are bullies it’s because of a deeper-rooted issue – either their family life is tough or they’re being bullied by someone bigger than they are.” – Lionel Messi

These quotes remind us that soccer, at its best, is a game of honor, respect, and fair play.

The Importance of Mental Strength

“Football is played with your head. Your feet are just the tools.” – Andrea Pirlo

Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo’s words highlight the crucial role that mental strength plays in soccer. While physical skills are important, it’s a player’s ability to think strategically, stay focused, and perform under pressure that often makes the difference between victory and defeat.

Other quotes that emphasize the importance of mental strength include:

• “I am tough, I am ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” – Madonna
• “The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

These quotes underscore the idea that success in soccer, as in any endeavor, begins in the mind.

The Beauty of the Game

“Soccer is simple, but it is difficult to play simple.” – Johan Cruyff

Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff’s words capture the essence of the beautiful game – its simplicity and its complexity. Soccer, at its core, is a simple sport, but it takes skill, creativity, and intelligence to play it at the highest level.

Other quotes that celebrate the beauty of soccer include:

• “The ball is round, the game lasts ninety minutes, and everything else is just theory.” – Sepp Herberger
• “Soccer is an art more central to our culture than anything the Arts Council deigns to recognize.” – Germaine Greer

These quotes remind us that soccer is not just a sport, but a form of art that has the power to captivate and inspire.

The Thrill of Victory

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly

Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly’s famous quote encapsulates the intense passion and dedication that soccer inspires in its fans and players. The thrill of victory is a feeling like no other, one that can make all the hard work and sacrifice feel worthwhile.

Other quotes that capture the excitement of winning include:

• “I don’t have time for hobbies. At the end of the day, I treat my job as a hobby. It’s something I love doing.” – David Beckham
• “I’ve never scored a goal in my life without getting a pass from someone else.” – Abby Wambach

These quotes remind us that the joy of soccer comes not just from personal achievement, but from the shared experience of triumph with one’s teammates and supporters.

The Agony of Defeat

“The rules of soccer are very simple, basically it is this: if it moves, kick it. If it doesn’t move, kick it until it does.” – Phil Woosnam

While the thrill of victory is exhilarating, the agony of defeat can be just as powerful. Soccer can be a cruel game, where a single mistake or moment of bad luck can undo an entire match’s worth of hard work.

Other quotes that capture the pain of losing include:

• “I’ve never wanted to leave. I’m here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well.” – Alan Shearer
• “Football is the ballet of the masses.” – Dmitri Shostakovich

These quotes serve as a reminder that soccer, like life, is full of ups and downs, and that the true test of character is how one responds to adversity.

The Wisdom of Coaches

“Losers complain, winners train.” – Jose Mourinho

Some of the most insightful and inspirational soccer quotes come from the coaches who have dedicated their lives to the game. Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho’s words emphasize the importance of hard work and a positive attitude in achieving success.

Other quotes that showcase the wisdom of soccer coaches include:

• “The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” – Joe Paterno
• “The most important thing about winning is believing that you can.” – Arsene Wenger

These quotes underscore the crucial role that coaches play in shaping the mindset and work ethic of their players.

The Legacy of Legends

“I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball.” – Roy Maurice Keane

Some of the most enduring soccer quotes come from the legends of the game, the players whose skill, passion, and personality have left an indelible mark on the sport. Irish midfielder Roy Keane’s words remind us that true greatness comes from within, from a deep and abiding love for the game.

Other quotes that speak to the legacy of soccer legends include:

• “I always thought I was the best player in the world. I still think I am.” – Cristiano Ronaldo
• “You have to show up in the World Cup, and in the World Cup anything can happen.” – Lionel Messi

These quotes capture the confidence, the swagger, and the indomitable spirit that define the greatest players in soccer history.

The Future of the Game

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

While not specifically about soccer, this quote from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt speaks to the importance of vision and belief in shaping the future. As soccer continues to evolve and grow, it will be the dreamers and innovators who will lead the way.

Other quotes that look to the future of soccer include:

• “I learned all about life with a ball at my feet.” – Ronaldinho
• “The secret is to believe in your dreams; in your potential that you can be like your star, keep searching, keep believing and don’t lose faith in yourself.” – Neymar

These quotes remind us that the future of soccer is bright, and that the next generation of players and fans will carry the torch forward.

Funny quotes about soccer – P1

• “I couldn’t find the sports channel, so I watched soccer.”
• “I’d rather play with 10 people and just get battered, then play with 11 and lose.”
• “The ball is round, the game is 90 minutes, and everything else is pure theory.”
• “Soccer is simple, but it is difficult to play simple.”
• “I’ve got two sisters, and they’re both crazy about soccer. When I was younger, I’d get dressed up in goalie gear and they’d take shots on me for hours. That’s how I learned to dive.”
• “In soccer, sometimes the smallest thing can separate the winners from the losers.”
• “I’m not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans but also to feel satisfied with myself.”
• “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly
• “The only thing that I can do is play soccer. I have to play soccer. It’s what I’m best at. I have to do it.”
• “I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball.” – Roy Maurice Keane
• “Soccer is all very well as a game for rough girls, but is hardly suitable for delicate boys.” – Oscar Wilde
• “If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing.” – Bill Shankly
• “When you win, you don’t get carried away. But if you go step by step, with confidence, you can go far.”
• “I’m not a guy who’s just going to go through the motions. I’m going to outwork you.” – Abby Wambach
• “I couldn’t settle in Italy – it was like living in a foreign country.” – Ian Rush
• “I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.” – George Best
• “I learned all about life with a ball at my feet.” – Ronaldinho
• “I’m living a dream I never want to wake up from.” – Cristiano Ronaldo
• “I told the players we need to win so that I can have the cash to buy some new ones.” – Gordon Strachan
• “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” – Archie Griffen
• “I don’t believe in luck. The harder I work, the luckier I get.” – Samuel Goldwyn
• “In soccer, the worst blindness is only seeing the ball.” – Nelson Falcão Rodrigues
• “When you play against dirty players, the best thing to do is beat them at their own game.” – Brian Clough
• “I couldn’t settle in Italy – it was like living in a foreign country.” – Ian Rush
• “Some people think soccer is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly
• “Soccer: A game where two people chase after one ball while 20,000 people chase after two referees.”
• “You don’t have to have been a horse to be a jockey.” – Arrigo Sacchi
• “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” – Mia Hamm
• “I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability.” – Bruce Jenner
• “I would have given my right arm to be a pianist.” – Bill Shankly
• “The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game.” – Bill Shankly
• “The ball is like a woman; she loves to be caressed.” – Eric Cantona
• “If you don’t believe you can win, there is no point in getting out of bed at the end of the day.” – Neville Southall
• “I spent a lot of money on booze, birds, and fast cars. The rest I just squandered.” – George Best
• “I’m living a dream I never want to wake up from.” – Cristiano Ronaldo
• “I play soccer because I love it, not because I need validation from anyone.” – Hope Solo
• “Soccer is all very well as a game for rough girls, but is hardly suitable for delicate boys.” – Oscar Wilde
• “In soccer, the worst blindness is only seeing the ball.” – Nelson Falcão Rodrigues
• “You don’t have to have been a horse to be a jockey.” – Arrigo Sacchi
• “I’m not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans but also to feel satisfied with myself.”
• “I’m not a guy who’s just going to go through the motions. I’m going to outwork you.” – Abby Wambach
• “The only thing that I can do is play soccer. I have to play soccer. It’s what I’m best at. I have to do it.”
• “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly
• “When you win, you don’t get carried away. But if you go step by step, with confidence, you can go far.”
• “I don’t believe skill was, or ever will be, the result of coaches. It is a result of a love affair between the child and the ball.” – Roy Maurice Keane
• “If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing.” – Bill Shankly
• “Soccer is simple, but it is difficult to play simple.”
• “I’d rather play with 10 people and just get battered, then play with 11 and lose.”
• “I couldn’t find the sports channel, so I watched soccer.”
• “Soccer is like chess, only without the dice.” – Lukas Podolski

Read more