ELJERO ELIA Eerlijk over Het verlies van zijn vader, valspelen van Argentinië op het WK & Racisme

Football fans can destroy you In this special episode of Real Talk with Fernando, former professional footballer and Dutch international Eljero Elia is once again the guest. Four years after his previous visit, he returns for a candid conversation about his impressive football career, personal growth, grief, racism, fatherhood, and his new role as a youth coach. Eljero Elia played more than five hundred professional matches, made thirty appearances for the Dutch national team, and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup final in 2010. He played domestically and abroad and took to the field with and against world-class players. Yet, this conversation is not just about goals, big clubs, and packed stadiums. It is primarily about the person behind the footballer. Elia reveals that during his career, he sometimes missed having a mentor. Someone with experience who could have helped him with transfers, friends, agents, and important business decisions. If he had been allowed to choose a mentor himself, he names Clarence Seedorf. Elia admires his calmness, intelligence, and communication style. He also speaks about loyalty. Elia remained loyal for a long time to the people who stood by him from the start, even when bigger agents showed interest. In hindsight, he understands that loyalty is a beautiful quality, but that in the football business, it can sometimes work against you. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the mental pressure of professional football. Supporters often see only the wealth, cars, transfers, and successes. What they do not see are the insecurity, performance pressure, injuries, family concerns, and mental struggles that players can go through. Elia also shares his experiences with racism. As a young player, he often reacted to racist remarks. Nowadays, he tries to give anonymous comments less power over him, but he emphasizes that racism must never be accepted. According to him, teammates, coaches, clubs, and football organizations must also speak out clearly. The most emotional part of the conversation concerns the loss of his father. His father was his role model and best friend. When his health deteriorated, Elia found it difficult to see him so vulnerable. In his final days, his father seemed to be waiting for the return of Elia’s mother. After she had seen him one last time, he passed away later that evening. After his death, Elia lost his motivation and withdrew. His important message is that everyone is allowed to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Since then, Elia has found a new mission as a youth coach at ADO Den Haag. He wants to teach young players not only how to play football better, but also to guide them in discipline, respect, money, temptations, and mental development. This is an honest conversation about success, loss, family, football, racism, friendship, and finding a new purpose after a great career. Watch the full episode, leave a comment, and subscribe to Real Talk with Fernando for more honest and inspiring conversations. 00:00 Intro 03:31 Loyalty and agents 06:38 Pressure and mental struggle 08:44 Clarence Seedorf as mentor 11:34 Racism and recognition 13:59 Messi, Maradona, and Argentina 19:47 Koeman and Oranje criticism 23:03 Bundesliga and pride 27:16 Father's health and farewell 31:33 Grieving after a death 32:03 Grieving without anger 33:01 Alone in the man cave 34:30 Back to football 36:04 Dad as an ADO legend 36:46 Strict with your son 38:57 Advice for young pros 39:51 Life after football 41:14 Baller and advisor Cor 42:47 Stopping Robin Hood 44:45 Mentors and trust 47:22 ADO youth vision 50:48 No stress as a coach 52:39 Prime and Injustice 53:48 Helping people check 57:45 Car accident and claims 01:01:26 Friendship and support 01:03:51 Honesty Face to Face 01:05:03 Always Helping People 01:06:57 Life Lessons and Forgiveness 01:08:40 Career Pride and Communication 01:11:08 Relationships and Social Media 01:12:39 Trophies and Football Roots 01:15:24 National Coach Discussion 01:19:39 Racism and Identity 01:25:23 Germany Experiences 01:26:51 Representation in Football 01:31:19 Conclusion and Future Plans Are you also dedicated in the things you do? Then check out the new perfume line from Real Talk creator and host Fernando Halman: DEDICATION https://bit.ly/4gtwspq Check out this podcast and don't forget to comment and leave a loving like if you have subscribed. LIKE & COMMENT!!! SUBSCRIBE to NandoLeaks if you want to stay up to date ! https://bit.ly/3DxOc0o TikTok: https://bit.ly/375vssV More episodes : https://bit.ly/35VTMN6 If you are inspired by the content you see, don't forget to share your acquired knowledge with those around you. Sharing is multiplying! SUBSCRIBE to NandoLeaks if you want to stay up to date ! https://bit.ly/3DxOc0o TikTok: https://bit.ly/375vssV #ELJEROELIA #REALTALK #NANDOLEAKS