The Illusion of the Perfect Life
“Soy Georgina” – translated as “I Am Georgina” – is the name of the Netflix documentary about Cristiano Ronaldo’s wife. There are already two seasons focusing solely on the daily life of a “footballer’s wife” and mother. It’s not uncommon for the partners of world-famous football stars to be very active on social media. Some of them were even famous before entering a relationship with a professional football player. But how do such seemingly ordinary scenarios put pressure on young people? Does this media-driven portrayal of life increase the internal urge to live the same kind of lifestyle? And could it even negatively affect their academic performance?
A Life Between School, Social Media, and Pressure to Perform
Teenagers spend a large part of their day at school, where they often associate their routine with stress, homework, early mornings, and continuous learning. Their free time is precious but still shaped by obligations and activities – be it football, other hobbies, or the constant consumption of social media.
Alongside their passion for sports, teenagers are exposed to a daily flood of information: lifestyle, fashion, politics, health, luxury, travel – and, of course, more football.
But is this even manageable for a teenager between the ages of 14 and 18? Especially during a stage of life already defined by hormonal changes and the search for identity? The answer is individual, but one thing is clear: being a teenager today is anything but easy.
The reality is this: many of them dream of living a specific lifestyle – not just for themselves, but also to give their loved ones a worry-free life. An enormous burden on their young shoulders. But how is one supposed to focus on school when professional football seems like the only viable path?
What Responsibility Do Famous Football Figures Bear?
Let’s go back to Georgina and Cristiano Ronaldo. The documentary showcases glamour and luxury – and portrays exactly what many girls consider the ultimate dream: expensive designer clothes, fine jewelry, private jets for her and her friends, and an impressive luxury villa.
Cristiano Ronaldo himself also openly shares his extravagant lifestyle on social media. His discipline and healthy lifestyle are undoubtedly admirable, but at the same time, he proudly poses with his sports cars and luxury vehicles. The underlying message seems to be: “Train as hard as I do, and you can have this life too.”
But is it really that simple? Take the example of a 16-year-old striker playing for a Bundesliga U17 team. Even if this player trains harder, perfects his diet, and dedicates every spare moment to football – will he automatically achieve the success and wealth of a Cristiano Ronaldo? The harsh truth: only a small fraction of talents actually make it to professional football. Most will not succeed.
When Dreams Shatter – The Dark Side of Pressure to Perform
The result of these unrealistic expectations? A multitude of young people with shattered dreams. Many of them may also have academic gaps because they placed all their focus on football. When the hoped-for career doesn’t materialize, what’s left are self-doubt, a lack of confidence, and diminished self-worth. But when is the right time to confront them with reality? And what can be done to support them mentally?
Support and Awareness – The Right Way to Handle Expectations
How deeply self-confidence and self-esteem are integrated into upbringing is largely shaped by cultural factors. Still, the responsibility doesn’t lie with families alone – football clubs and officials also play a key role. Some top clubs have recognized the shift and already offer psychological and mental support in their youth programs – although this often depends heavily on the clubs’ financial resources.
One of the most important measures remains open communication. Teenagers tend to hide their thoughts and worries – often feeling closer to their friends than to their own families. Teachers and coaches also face the challenge of finding the right approach. When should they step in? How far can they go without putting additional pressure on the youth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – instead, a variety of approaches is needed to offer mental support. Just parents being aware of their children’s emotional challenges can make a big difference. Maybe the room doesn’t need to be cleaned up right away, or it’s okay to say they don’t like what’s for dinner. They should be allowed to disagree – and to share their thoughts with the coach. They should be allowed to dream, but also to doubt.
What Truly Matters: Love, Trust, and Perspective
One thing should never be taken away from young people: love, trust, and the things they care about. Sport – whether football or any other discipline – has protected generations of youth from negative influences. Just because they won’t become superstars or travel the world by private jet doesn’t mean they are worth any less.
In the end, what matters most is that they find their own path – regardless of whether it leads to wealth and fame. Because in the end, it’s not material happiness that counts, but inner contentment.
