The players Ferran and Nico, but also Rodri —captain of the Spanish national team and World Cup Ballon d’Or winner— who did not hesitate to mention God when talking about the emotions experienced after the victory, represent a new generation of young people who live their faith naturally. They are not afraid to publicly express the Christianity that sustains them in difficult moments and also show a spirit of teamwork and solidarity that recalls an idea repeated throughout the championship: “Together we are better”.
It is pleasing to find such testimonies, both in word and in life. Personally, I do not share the enormous dimension that an event like the World Cup final has acquired. It is difficult for me to accept the economic display, the spectacularization of the event, or some of the political implications that accompanied it.
However, I prefer to focus on the positive aspects. I value the shared effort, the dedication of those who seek to give their best, and the testimony of those footballers who have simply recognized that they believe in God and that prayer is part of their lives.
Without ceasing to be critical of some excesses of the World Cup, it is worth recognizing these signs of Christian inspiration. Hopefully, they will serve as an encouragement for many young people and also for those of us who are not so much anymore. Because that phrase that accompanied the Spanish team is valid not only for sports but also for life: “Together we are better”.
Gerardo Villar