What if everyone told you that you'd never make it? What if coaches said you weren't good enough? What if you had to wash dishes at a restaurant just to help your family, while other kids were already playing for big soccer teams?This is the incredible true story of a boy from the Netherlands who refused to let rejection stop him. Growing up in Breda, he was told "no" more times than he could count. Teams didn't want him. Scouts overlooked him. He seemed too slow, not special enough. While working long hours washing dishes, watching his dreams slip away, he made a choice: keep fighting or give up forever. From the small fields of Dutch amateur soccer to becoming the captain of Liverpool Football Club and leading the Netherlands national team, this is a journey that proves champions aren't always the fastest or the flashiest—sometimes they're the ones who simply refuse to quit. Discover how he transformed himself into one of the world's greatest defenders through dedication, smart training, and an unbreakable belief in his abilities. Learn about the coaches who finally believed in him, the moment Liverpool made him the most expensive defender ever, and the night he lifted the Champions League trophy high. Perfect for young soccer fans who need to know that late bloomers can become legends, that hard work beats natural talent, and that your starting point doesn't determine your finish line. Every champion's story begins with a dream and the courage to chase it—no matter how impossible it seems. Recommended for readers ages 6-12