In the world of football, we see the 90 minutes of glory—the screaming fans, the champagne celebrations, and the “living the dream” Instagram feeds. But behind the bright lights of the stadium, some of the world’s biggest icons have faced a silent opponent that no defender can tackle: Loneliness.
For the Tackle From Behind community and our friends over at the Indian Fantasy Premier League, we’re diving deep into the stories of five legends who proved that while you might feel alone, you’re never truly out of the game.
1. Andrés Iniesta: The Maestro in the Shadows
- The Situation: In 2009, Iniesta had just won the Treble with Barcelona. On paper, he was at the top of the world. But the sudden death of his close friend, Dani Jarque, combined with a string of injuries, plunged him into a “dark place.” He described feeling like he was in a “hollow” state, unable to feel joy despite his massive success.
- The Turnaround: Iniesta sought professional help. He began therapy and relied heavily on the support of his family and coach, Pep Guardiola. He didn’t just return; he scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup Final.
- Where is he now? After a legendary stint in Japan, Iniesta recently transitioned into the next phase of his career, focusing on his academy projects and global football business, still serving as a beacon of mental health awareness.
2. Gianluigi Buffon: The Wall that Cracked
- The Situation: At 25, Buffon was the world’s most expensive goalkeeper. Yet, he suffered from a massive bout of depression and panic attacks. He once told his trainer he couldn’t play because he felt his legs shaking from the sheer weight of isolation and pressure.
- The Turnaround: Buffon credits “finding himself” through art and hobbies outside of football. He visited a museum, saw a painting by Chagall called The Promenade, and felt a spark of joy. He realized he was more than just a goalkeeper.
- Where is he now? Retired as arguably the greatest keeper ever, Buffon currently serves as the Team Coordinator for the Italian National Team, mentoring the next generation.
3. Jesse Lingard: Facing the “Black Hole”
- The Situation: Around 2019, Lingard’s form plummeted. While fans criticized him online, Jesse was dealing with a heartbreaking reality: his mother was battling clinical depression, and he was effectively raising his younger siblings alone while playing for Manchester United. The isolation of being a “celebrity” while your private life is crumbling led him to use alcohol to numb the loneliness
- The Turnaround: Jesse spoke to his manager and the club doctors. He prioritized his family’s health and his own. A loan move to West Ham reignited his spirit, proving that a change of environment and opening up can save a career.
- Where is he now? Currently playing in South Korea for FC Seoul, Lingard has embraced a completely new culture, often sharing his journey of self-discovery and mental fitness with his millions of followers.
4. Bojan Krkić: The “New Messi” Who Needed a Break
- The Situation: Labeled the “next Messi” at age 17, Bojan couldn’t handle the sudden thrust into the global spotlight. He suffered from severe anxiety and loneliness, once having to pull out of the Spanish Euro 2008 squad because he was physically sick from the stress of the “lonely” expectations placed on him.
- The Turnaround: Bojan took the brave step of stepping away from the “Big 5” leagues at times to find happiness. He learned that his value wasn’t tied to his goals-per-game ratio.
- Where is he now? Having retired recently, he is now the Football Coordinator at FC Barcelona, helping young players navigate the very pressures that once weighed him down.
5. Paul Pogba: The Isolated Superstar
- The Situation: Despite being a World Cup winner, Pogba recently opened up about experiencing depression during his time under Jose Mourinho. He spoke about how the “unfathomable” money and fame don’t shield you from feeling completely alone when things aren’t going well on the pitch or in the dressing room.
- The Turnaround: Pogba turned to his faith and his inner circle of childhood friends to ground him. He emphasized that even if you have “everything,” you have nothing without peace of mind.
- Where is he now? After a turbulent period and a doping ban that was recently reduced, Pogba is preparing for a competitive return to football in 2025, focused on a “redemption arc” that prioritizes his mental well-being over media narratives.
How to Tackle Loneliness: The Playbook
These icons didn’t “tough it out” alone—they made a tactical change. Here is how they did it, and how you can too:
- Break the Silence (The “Iniesta” Move): The biggest lie loneliness tells you is that you’re the only one feeling it. Talk to a friend, a counselor, or even a teammate. The moment you say “I feel lonely,” the power that feeling has over you starts to fade.
- Find an “Off-Pitch” Passion (The “Buffon” Strategy): If your whole identity is one thing (your job, your degree, your sport), you’ll feel empty when it goes poorly. Find a hobby—art, gaming, cooking—that has nothing to do with your “performance.”
- Audit Your Circle: Jesse Lingard found peace by leaning on people who loved him for Jesse, not for the Man Utd shirt. Surround yourself with people who offer energy, not just those who take it.
- Practical Step for You: If you’re feeling isolated, try a “Micro-Connection.” Go to a coffee shop, join a local five-a-side league, or even join a Discord community for the Indian Fantasy Premier League. Small, regular interactions build a social safety net.
You don’t have to be a Ballon d’Or winner to prioritize your mental health. In the game of life, the strongest move you can make is asking for an assist.
