There is a soccer team that probably doesn’t look impressive on paper. They’re from a war-torn country that’s struggling with extreme poverty. In fact, until recently, their local authorities banned the sport entirely.
These men truly play for the love of the game. The players’ only compensation when traveling is a daily travel stipend of roughly $50, which is usually late by months. When practicing at home, they only get 35 afghanis daily — the equivalent of 70 cents. They are the national football team of Afghanistan.
The football (or soccer, depending on where you’re reading this) team is so broke they can’t afford extra jerseys or hotel rooms when they travel. They sleep in airports and bathrooms. But this ragtag bunch brought home an international title, whipping India, 2–0.
It just goes to show that doing what you love is the most rewarding thing in the world, even if it comes with failure. These men know that failure can actually lead you to success!