--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's so important to be chosen for the…" description: "\"It's so important to be chosen for the national team. For the Copa America, for the World Cup, or just friendly matches, it's such an honour to reach t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/zico-6626_football_it-s-so-important-to-be-chosen-for-the-n_2867724.jpg" --- # It's so important to be chosen for the national team. For… ![“It's so important to be chosen for the national team. For the Copa America, for the World Cup, or just friendly matches, it's such an honour to reach that stage and be chosen for the team. People expect players to wear Brazil's shirt, win the title with pride, and keep winning. You have to have…” quote by Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/zico-6626_football_it-s-so-important-to-be-chosen-for-the-n_2867724.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/zico-6626_football_it-s-so-important-to-be-chosen-for-the-n_2867724.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b75/zico-6626_football_it-s-so-important-to-be-chosen-for-the-n_2867724.jpg) > “It's so important to be chosen for the national team. For the Copa America, for the World Cup, or just friendly matches, it's such an honour to reach that stage and be chosen for the team. People expect players to wear Brazil's shirt, win the title with pride, and keep winning. You have to have the mental strength to get over this pressure.” [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Representing a nation in major tournaments brings honor, expectation, and mental pressure that must be managed. **In simple terms:** National team play brings pride and pressure. Key Takeaway Build mental resilience for high‑stakes games. Themes sports national pride pressure mental strength Mood determined proud Type motivational psychological When to use this quote - tournament prep - media scrutiny - fan expectations - career milestones Key Concepts sports psychology team dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How do you handle national expectations? - What mental tools aid performance? A Different Perspective Excessive pressure can impair performance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Mental strength](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mental-strength/) [National team](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/national-team/) [Pressure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pressure/) [Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride/) [Strength](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strength/) [World cup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world-cup/) ## Related quotes > [It was just great to wear the Brazil shirt in the senior team for the first time. I'd already worn it before playing for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar/it-was-just-great-to-wear-the-brazil-shirt-in-the-senior-team-for-the/) [Oscar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar/) > [When you're a child, you watch Brazil on TV and feel that desire to be a national team player, so when you get here,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernandinho/when-you-re-a-child-you-watch-brazil-on-tv-and-feel-that-desire-to-be/) [Fernandinho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fernandinho/) > [Everything I experienced in the national team was amazing. I was there for 14 years and won several titles: the Copa America, Confederations Cup…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roberto-carlos/everything-i-experienced-in-the-national-team-was-amazing-i-was-there/) [Roberto Carlos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roberto-carlos/) > [When people ask me what club I supported growing up, I didn't really watch club soccer. The only channels I got had World Cups…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clint-dempsey/when-people-ask-me-what-club-i-supported-growing-up-i-didn-t-really/) [Clint Dempsey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clint-dempsey/) > [I've got some wonderful memories of the 2011 Copa America. It was a very special tournament.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diego-godin/i-ve-got-some-wonderful-memories-of-the-2011-copa-america-it-was-a/) [Diego Godin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diego-godin/) > [I love the Copa America. It showcases all the classic rivalries of South America, all those neighbours, up against each other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diego-forlan/i-love-the-copa-america-it-showcases-all-the-classic-rivalries-of/) [Diego Forlan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diego-forlan/) > [The Copa America is always difficult because of the pitches, because of the referees who always go against us and because of the way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vinicius-junior/the-copa-america-is-always-difficult-because-of-the-pitches-because/) [Vinicius Junior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vinicius-junior/) > [In the World Cup finals, you're unlikely to meet a continental rival. In Copa America, you know they are just around the corner and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diego-forlan/in-the-world-cup-finals-you-re-unlikely-to-meet-a-continental-rival/) [Diego Forlan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diego-forlan/) > [Playing in the Copa America would be an important thing for me, just like the Olympics, because Brazil has never won the gold medal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucas-moura/playing-in-the-copa-america-would-be-an-important-thing-for-me-just/) [Lucas Moura](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucas-moura/) > [It's very good for a 22-year-old player to feature in a Copa America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred/it-s-very-good-for-a-22-year-old-player-to-feature-in-a-copa-america/) [Fred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fred/) > [Vitesse was my hometown club. They helped me in my career. It was Vitesse who helped me get in to the national team squad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-van-aanholt/vitesse-was-my-hometown-club-they-helped-me-in-my-career-it-was/) [Patrick van Aanholt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-van-aanholt/) > [The whole kiss-and-tell thing is a negative approach that often happens in a World Cup. We will see negative stories about the players and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gary-lineker/the-whole-kiss-and-tell-thing-is-a-negative-approach-that-often/) [Gary Lineker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-lineker/) > [At the World Cup and at national team camps it's hard. Everyone wanted me to go back home and play for their team.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jude-bellingham/at-the-world-cup-and-at-national-team-camps-it-s-hard-everyone-wanted/) [Jude Bellingham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jude-bellingham/) > [I definitely see this team, the Canadian national team, definitely fighting for a spot in the 2022 World Cup.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alphonso-davies/i-definitely-see-this-team-the-canadian-national-team-definitely/) [Alphonso Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alphonso-davies/) > [The World Cup was the biggest thing ever for the national team, but the Champions League is the biggest thing for clubs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-villa/the-world-cup-was-the-biggest-thing-ever-for-the-national-team-but/) [David Villa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-villa/) ## More by Zico > [India has a population of over 1 billion people. There is place for all sports and for sure there is space for football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/india-has-a-population-of-over-1-billion-people-there-is-place-for/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [In football, everything is possible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/in-football-everything-is-possible/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [Football never surpises me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/football-never-surpises-me/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [During practice sessions I try and bring every inch of my experience to show the players what to expect, what can happen, what to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/during-practice-sessions-i-try-and-bring-every-inch-of-my-experience/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [I remember winning the Asian Cup in 2004 in China, coming through so much adversity including a final against the hosts. We won 3-1…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/i-remember-winning-the-asian-cup-in-2004-in-china-coming-through-so/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [When Brazil take part in any competition they must always play to win.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/when-brazil-take-part-in-any-competition-they-must-always-play-to-win/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [I don't know why everyone refers to me as White Pele. I don't like it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/i-don-t-know-why-everyone-refers-to-me-as-white-pele-i-don-t-like-it/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [I am not a magician of football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/i-am-not-a-magician-of-football/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [I don't think Pele was the ultimate hero for our generation, he is the ultimate hero of every generation of Brazilians.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/i-don-t-think-pele-was-the-ultimate-hero-for-our-generation-he-is-the/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [In Japan, football has grown but it doesn't mean that baseball has regressed. Baseball also has grown with football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/in-japan-football-has-grown-but-it-doesn-t-mean-that-baseball-has/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [Tactically, technically, physically, mentally he was the best. A lot of things that I learnt was from Pele's sticker albums: how to head, how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/tactically-technically-physically-mentally-he-was-the-best-a-lot-of/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [Losing a game at home is never good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/losing-a-game-at-home-is-never-good/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [You need to always try to find new challenges.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/you-need-to-always-try-to-find-new-challenges/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [Others are others, Pele is Pele, he is totally different.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/others-are-others-pele-is-pele-he-is-totally-different/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) > [When you hear cheers at the moment you need a bit of a push, players can react to that and perform at their best.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zico/when-you-hear-cheers-at-the-moment-you-need-a-bit-of-a-push-players/) [Zico](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) [Explore all 98 Zico quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zico/) ## More Football quotes > [When I came to Chelsea, it was clear that, like many other players, I would first be loaned out. So I went to Belgium…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thorgan-hazard/when-i-came-to-chelsea-it-was-clear-that-like-many-other-players-i/) [Thorgan Hazard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thorgan-hazard/) > [If you take your eye off the ball or lose focus for even a minute you can lose a game against any team.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/felipe-anderson/if-you-take-your-eye-off-the-ball-or-lose-focus-for-even-a-minute-you/) [Felipe Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/felipe-anderson/) > [There are guys who play lacrosse, and there are lacrosse players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brendan-mundorf/there-are-guys-who-play-lacrosse-and-there-are-lacrosse-players/) Brendan Mundorf > [Giggs is the realest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-kaluuya/giggs-is-the-realest/) [Daniel Kaluuya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-kaluuya/) > [You get a new coach; you do things a little differently.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/archie-manning/you-get-a-new-coach-you-do-things-a-little-differently/) [Archie Manning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/archie-manning/) > [You gotta have a little kid in you to play football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herman-edwards/you-gotta-have-a-little-kid-in-you-to-play-football/) [Herman Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herman-edwards/) > [I don't really like too much credit. I know nobody's going to believe this, but I'd rather be able to score goals and nobody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bradley-wright-phillips/i-don-t-really-like-too-much-credit-i-know-nobody-s-going-to-believe/) [Bradley Wright-Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bradley-wright-phillips/) > [My team mates are fundamental for my characteristics, if they send in crosses I can play inside the area.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/filippo-inzaghi/my-team-mates-are-fundamental-for-my-characteristics-if-they-send-in/) [Filippo Inzaghi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/filippo-inzaghi/) > [The Copa del Rey is a different competition. It is football in its purest form and is different from the continuity of the league.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-laudrup/the-copa-del-rey-is-a-different-competition-it-is-football-in-its/) [Michael Laudrup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-laudrup/) > [“Wild card, got it," Duncan said. "Just like in Crazy Eights. I can be a diamond; I can be a spade. Whatever you need…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-healy/wild-card-got-it-duncan-said-just-like-in-crazy-eights-i-can-be-a/) [Christopher Healy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-healy/) > [Leo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Eden. Every year, you look at their numbers - score goals, assists, minutes - to see they play very well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pedro/leo-cristiano-ronaldo-neymar-eden-every-year-you-look-at-their/) [Pedro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pedro/) > [It's a lot harder to play football when you haven't got the ball.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-gray/it-s-a-lot-harder-to-play-football-when-you-haven-t-got-the-ball/) [Andy Gray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-gray/) > [I just enjoy winning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/xander-bogaerts/i-just-enjoy-winning/) [Xander Bogaerts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/xander-bogaerts/) > [I think you can get, as a player, stuck in the mindset of trying too hard to prove yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/trinity-rodman/i-think-you-can-get-as-a-player-stuck-in-the-mindset-of-trying-too/) [Trinity Rodman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/trinity-rodman/) > [We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randy-pausch/we-cannot-change-the-cards-we-are-dealt-just-how-we-play-the-hand/) [Randy Pausch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randy-pausch/) [Browse all 59,646 Football quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It's so important to be chosen for the national team. 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