Every footballer has that season. The one where nothing seems to click. But is it failure or the beginning of reinvention? In this episode of Ball & Live, Lamar Aaron talks about three conversations every baller needs to hear:

⚽ Phil Foden’s Reinvention – After a season of criticism, Phil Foden showed in the Manchester Derby why sometimes a “down year” is actually the season that shapes your growth. We unpack how every player eventually faces a moment where they must evolve, mature, and unlock the next version of themselves.

💡 Xavi Simons’ Discipline – From Barça to PSG, PSV and now the Premier League, his journey shows what true discipline looks like. Unlike most “wonderkids,” he started at the top, competing against legends like Iniesta, Busquets and Xavi himself. His story proves that discipline isn’t just about when things are good or bad; it’s about the middle, when nothing seems to be happening. That’s where careers are built.

🔥 The Great Lock-In - Right now, we’re at a crucial point in the football calendar. The next 3 months will shape careers: academy players waiting on scholarship decisions, pros in their final contract year, players eyeing moves in the January transfer window, and international tournaments like AFCON and the World Cup. This is the time to lock in, get disciplined, and set the habits that can change your life.

This isn’t about fan takes, media noise or pundit hot takes. It’s about the player’s perspective — the mindset, lessons and truths that help footballers build lasting careers.

🎙️ Ball & Live is where football conversations turn into life lessons for ballers, athletes and everyday people.

👉Grab our Footballer’s Guide Book Here: https://tr.ee/3-Lqkau37h

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