Introduction:
From rising stars to living legends, these football icons have journeyed from humble beginnings to dazzling heights. Whether overcoming setbacks or fulfilling childhood dreams, each player has a unique story of passion, determination, and success on the world's biggest stage.
Description:
Tales from the Pitch Football Superstar Heroes Set 1 :
Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers of his generation - but his journey to the top wasn't always easy. Finding himself without a club at the age of 17, Robert had no choice but to claw his way up through the ranks of Polish football. It led him to the top of one of the world's toughest leagues, the German Bundesliga. Join Robert on his unwavering mission to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Gnabry
At the age of ten, Serge Gnabry was wanted by some of the biggest football clubs in the world. His route to superstardom looked clear. But after struggling to break into first teams, potentially career-ending injuries and an infamously disastrous loan spell, Serge had to fight to become Bayern Munich's deadliest weapon and Germany's brightest light. Follow him on his extraordinary journey to the top. Sometimes, when that journey isn't smooth, the result only makes it all the more worthwhile.
Rashford
Now a lethal striker for his boyhood club - and an international superstar - Marcus Rashford is living his dream. But from navigating a ruthless academy to playing under one of the fiercest managers in the game, Marcus's meteoric rise to the top of Manchester United wasn't always easy. This is the story of how a boy from Manchester used his passion and his talent to steer himself on a path to greatness.
Sterling
It didn't always look as though Raheem Sterling would make it as a world-class player. From a difficult start in life to a tough time in the spotlight, Raheem has always had to think on his feet. This is the incredible story of how a boy who grew up in the shadow of Wembley Stadium used his grit and passion to steer himself to the very top.
Kante
Coaches always thought that N'Golo Kanté was too small and too shy to make it in the world of football. But with hard work, natural talent and a true love for the game, N'Golo is now the superstar midfielder who brings victory to every team he's a part of. Discover his journey - from picking up bottles in the streets of Paris to winning trophies on the world stage - proving that no one is ever too small to make it big.
Mbappe
As a teenager, Kylian Mbappe was one of the best footballers on the planet. Now - he just keeps on getting better. Kylian's skill, pace and sensational finishing have fired his clubs and his country to incredible victories, whilst he has established himself firmly in the record books. Follow the whirlwind journey of this football-mad boy from Paris, who never let the weight of the world's expectations slow his journey to becoming a legend.
Felix
With his creativity, acrobatic talent and sheer speed, João Félix can make top-level football look effortless. But João's journey to the top has not been easy. As a skinny kid he'd already given up on football once, before harnessing his inner strength and
determination to win both the Portuguese and the Spanish leagues. Join "the heir to Ronaldo" on his mission to become one of the greatest players in the game.
Sancho
As a teenager, Jadon Sancho walked away from one of the biggest football clubs - and managers - on the planet. The world of football thought he was crazy. But with hard work, natural talent and total self-belief, Jadon is now at the top of one of the world's toughest leagues and at the heart of England's national team. This is the incredible story of how a football-mad boy from London trusted his instincts and left his home country to make his dream come true.
Van Dijk
Quick, composed and physically dominant - Virgil van Dijk is the defender who has it all. But from washing dishes while he tried to secure his first professional contract to facing rejection and serious illness, it didn't always seem as if Virgil was going to make it to the top. This is the inspiring story of how a boy from Breda used his determination and self-belief to become one of the greatest defenders in the world.
Son
A year after signing for Tottenham Hotspur, Heung-min Son asked to leave. Now he's a Spurs legend who's showing no signs of slowing down. Discover the incredible story of this boy from South Korea, who learnt discipline from his dad and German by watching SpongeBob Sometimes, when you've come so far, giving up on yourself is just not an option.
Tales from the Pitch Football Superstar Heroes Set 2 :
Neymar:
From humble beginnings in Brazil to becoming part of the most feared attacking trio in world football, Neymar has come a long way.
Bellingham:
A game-changer at both ends of the pitch, Jude Bellingham's combination of power and poise makes him the complete midfielder.
Salah:
An early move into the Premier League didn't work out, and it took a transfer to Italy to enable him to achieve the success he sought.
Messi:
Even at the age of five, Lionel Messi stood out as an astonishing player. Relocating from Argentina to Barcelona at the age of just 13, he was ready to take the world by storm.
Ronaldo:
With lightning-fast footwork and a fiery passion, Cristiano Ronaldo is idolised by millions of football fans around the world. But Cristiano's journey has not been as easy as it seems.
Haaland:
Erling Haaland is the striker who has it all. From an early age, his impatience and his determination to succeed always singled him out as a player to watch.
Saka:
Bukayo Saka's versatility and sheer creativity on the pitch marked him out as a player who would take the football world by storm.
Silva:
At the age of nine, Bernardo Silva fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for Benfica, when he joined their youth academy.
Mahrez:
Stuck in the French fourth division at 22, it didn't look as if Riyad Mahrez was going to set the football world alight.
Kane:
Now one of England's biggest stars, it might come as no surprise that, at 11 years old, Harry Kane told David Beckham he was going to captain England.
