In this article from The Athletic, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made a powerful leadership statement. When asked about superstar Kylian Mbappe’s potential to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy, Ancelotti responded, “Mbappe has a lot of quality and can match Cristiano… But it’s not going to be so easy for Mbappe to reach Cristiano’s level, he has to work.”
Mbappe is a generational talent and global icon. And yet, Ancelotti reminds us that talent alone is not enough.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not become one of the greatest footballers of all time by coasting on his talent. He once said, “Talent without working hard is nothing.” That is what separates potential from legacy.
As leaders, many of us have God-given gifts. But the question is — are we maximizing them? Are we outworking our competition? Are we showing up early, staying late, and doing the reps no one else sees?
Talent may open the door. But only hard work, discipline, and consistency will keep you in the room.
Mbappe is at the starting line of his Real Madrid journey and off to an incredible start. But the question is whether he will continue to do the work necessary to reach Ronaldo-level impact.
And the same question is true for us. Your calling is worth the work. Your team is worth the effort. Your legacy is worth the grind.
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