ADVERTISEMENT

Christian Atsu & footballers who’ve gone from rags to riches

Pulse Sports takes a look at some players who have gone from having nothing to having it all.

Perhaps they never imagined their lives turning out the way it did, but their success stories can provide inspiration for today's youth.

Christian Atsu     

The Ghanaian attacking-midfielder who was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 African Cup of Nations, once had to sell ice-cold water to pedestrians in the streets of his homeland to earn money. Now 24-years-old, Atsu has represented Everton, FC Porto, Bournemouth, Malaga and is currently on Newcastle's books. He is currently valued at around £10 million.

Luis Nazario de Lima Ronaldo

ADVERTISEMENT

The Brazilian striker, who played for top clubs in Europe like Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona and Inter Milan, is another player who started plying his trade in poor suburban streets. Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or twice, struggled to afford the bus fare to get him to and from practice. What he legend he became!

Samuel Eto'o

The Cameroonian star grew up sharing a bed with a few of his six siblings in their cramped house in Doula. Eto'o and his brothers used to make soccer balls out of wrapped plastic and he was fortunate enough to be spotted by scouts, who lured him away to Spain where he started his professional career with Real Madrid. Today he has played over 450 professional games for several different top-flight clubs including Barcelona.

Steven Pienaar

The retired Bafana international who grew up in Westbury, a township in Johannesburg, watched TV from the floor of his small home because his mother had fears of stray bullets reaching him through the windows. Today, he is one of the most successful South African footballers to have played football abroad. Schillo has played for Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

ADVERTISEMENT

Diego Maradona

The Argentinian legend, whose name is arguably one of the most recognisable names in world sport, never had the easiest of upbringings. Diego used to share a room with seven siblings and wasn't fortunate enough to get an education. Wow! His passion for the game was what kept him steady and in 1986 he almost singlehandedly led his country to a World Cup victory. Today he is regarded as one of the all-time greats!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT