When We Were Silent: Finding My Voice On and Off the Pitch

Silence can be deafening. On the football pitch, amidst the roar of the crowd and the frantic energy of the game, there are moments when everything seems to fade away. The world shrinks, the noise becomes a dull hum, and it’s just you and the ball. Those moments, When We Were Silent, were often the most powerful for me. It was in those pockets of quiet intensity that I felt most connected to the game, to my teammates, and to myself.

Frenkie de Jong finding his voice on the pitch

But silence isn’t always golden. Off the pitch, as a young player finding his way, being silent wasn’t always easy. It took time to learn how to communicate my thoughts and feelings, to express my vision on the field, and to assert myself amongst my more experienced teammates.

Breaking the Silence: Communication is Key

Football is a team sport, and communication is its lifeblood. On the field, every pass, every run, every tactical decision relies on an unspoken understanding between players. But that understanding doesn’t just happen magically. It requires open communication, both on and off the pitch.

I remember when I first joined Barcelona. Surrounded by some of the best players in the world, I felt a pressure to prove myself, to live up to the legacy of this legendary club. It would have been easy to stay silent, to avoid making mistakes, to blend into the background. But I knew that wouldn’t help me grow.

So I started small. I focused on building relationships with my teammates, on understanding their playing styles, their strengths, and their weaknesses. We talked about tactics, we analyzed our performances, and slowly but surely, the silence began to dissipate.

The Power of Observation: Listening to Learn

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is the power of observation. Before you can find your voice, it’s crucial to listen and learn from those around you.

Early on, I was fortunate to play alongside experienced players who had mastered the art of communication. I watched how they positioned themselves on the field, how they anticipated plays, how they communicated with their teammates through subtle gestures and movements. I listened to how they spoke during team talks, how they analyzed our opponents, how they motivated and inspired the team.

These observations were invaluable to my development as a player. They taught me that communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s about understanding the nuances of the game, reading the play, and anticipating your teammates’ movements. It’s about being present, being aware, and absorbing every bit of knowledge and experience around you.

Finding Your Voice: Expressing Yourself Authentically

Finding your voice is an ongoing journey, both on and off the pitch. It’s about having the confidence to express yourself authentically, to share your ideas, and to stand up for what you believe in.

As athletes, we have a platform, a voice that can inspire and influence others. It’s important to use that voice responsibly, to speak out against injustice, to support causes we care about, and to make a positive impact on the world around us.

When We Were Silent: A Catalyst for Growth

Looking back, those moments of silence, both on and off the pitch, have been crucial to my growth as a player and as a person. They’ve taught me the importance of communication, the power of observation, and the courage to find my voice.

Silence can be a powerful tool, a moment of reflection, a chance to gather your thoughts and find your footing. But it’s in breaking the silence, in communicating authentically and using our voices for good, that we truly discover our potential and make a difference in the world.