Today, the #cleanplanet community has asked us to share our favorite sports, and I couldn't be more excited to talk about something that has been a big part of my life—football.
My love for football is something that can't be overemphasised. It’s something that has shaped a lot of my childhood memories. I can still vividly remember how, as a kid, we would place four tyres(two tyres at different sides) on the street . The tyres normally serves as our post and then we start playing what we called Set (Street football).
I love playing football, and from secondary school till now, I have aways loved playing as a defender. There’s just something about being a defender that I love. The thrill of making a solid tackle, intercepting a dangerous pass, or blocking a shot that could have been a goal gives me so much joy. I wouldn’t say I am the best defender among my peers, but one thing I know for sure is that I have improved over time. Every match teaches me something new, and I always look forward to becoming better.
Aside from playing football, I am also a die-hard Manchester City fan. I love everything about the team—their possession based football, their attacking style, and their hunger to win every trophy possible. Watching them play is always a delight because they always dominate their opponents with confidence.
Now, my best moment as a city fan was when we won the Champions league for the first time in our history. Honestly, i can start explaining how i excited i was that night at Istanbul when we defeated inter. This season, we may not be in our best form compared to the past years, but I believe in the team. I know we can still turn things around and return to our winning ways.
One of my biggest dreams is to watch Manchester City play live at the Etihad Stadium. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to be in the stadium, surrounded by thousands of fans, chanting and celebrating every goal. I would love to see players like Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne iñ action. I hope this dream comes true someday because I know it would be one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.
When it comes to football legends, my favorite player of all time is Lionel Messi. Honestly, I don’t understand how some people still argue about who the greatest footballer is. For me, it’s Messi, without a doubt. The way he dribbles, his vision, his passing, his finishing—everything about him is just unbelievable. Watching him play sometimes feels like watching a magician perform tricks. He makes football look so easy, yet what he does on the pitch is something very few players can replicate. I feel privileged to have witnessed his era, and I doubt we’ll ever see another player quite like him.
Asides football, I have also started watching basketball, and I must admit that I find it very interesting. It’s a game with a lot of skill, and I particularly admire the way the players dribble, shoot and dunk. My favorite players so far are Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama and Giannis. Curry, especially, has won my heart with his insane three-pointers. I don’t think there’s anything that excites me more in basketball than watching Curry scores those three-pointers from a far distance on the court.
Even though I now enjoy basketball, my love for football will always come first. Nothing can ever replace the joy of watching or playing football. It’s the sport that makes me feel the most alive, and no matter what happens, football will always be my number one passion.