We struggle as people to share emotions. It feels like we are showing weakness, pushing our struggles into someone else’s hands, and not realising that holding it all in will inevitably break us.

In sport, we promote the mentality of physical toughness, playing through the pain, composure under the highest pressure, and never being afraid. What happens when this mindset starts becoming a cage? Since the start of competitive sport, it’s become a staple that players must play through the toughest of times, bury any emotion they might be feeling, and expect to play normally.

Are they not human like us?

In the modern game, we are starting to see cracks in this twisted image of “perfection,” where athletes are transparent about what goes on in their day-to-day lives.

Marc Cucurella of Chelsea, one of the Premier League’s most relentless players, is often described as being unlikable on the field, notorious for his aggressive play style with a hint of theatrics, which irritates rivals and pundits. But beyond those 90 minutes on the pitch, away from the fiery passion and relentless efforts, there is a completely different side to him.

The Chelsea dressing room recognises Cucurella as the joker of the group, someone who lifts the spirits, making the vibes very homely. Teammates describe him as someone who demands the best from himself and everyone around him, yet carries a warmth that is unseen by the public eye. It’s a constant reminder that we, as viewers, must realise these players may look composed or chaotic on the field, but off it, they live real lives filled with fear, responsibility, and love for whoever surrounds them.

Recently, Cucurella had the opportunity to open up about his off-field role as a father to a young son diagnosed with autism. In an emotional interview via Amazon Prime Video Sport, he spoke about the challenges he’s faced since the diagnosis. The feelings of stress, tears, and helplessness dawned on him and his wife when things didn’t go as planned. Yet, he reassured that this experience has changed his perspective on life, teaching him the values of patience and empathy, both of which contribute to strength.

This interview unveiled a side of Marc Cucurella few have seen. A player thought to be aggressive and passionate on the pitch makes much more sense once you listen to this story. The camera caught a moment of silence, as his voice broke, letting us understand what the diagnosis had done to him. That silence showed greater strength than any tackle he has made on the pitch.

For years, in sports, athletes have been rewarded for the image of toughness. But vulnerability was always hidden. The mindset is slowly changing, not just with Marc Cucurella’s story, but a legend like Mike Tyson and former Premier League star Dele Alli have also opened up about their own personal struggles, showing vulnerability in their own way, understanding that being honest connects you more with the fans than a win or goal ever could.

Athletes are human; they stumble, they doubt themselves, and carry the same emotions that we all try our best to hide from the world. The difference is that the life of an athlete is under a microscope, where every flaw is used as a headline.

We celebrate their character but never acknowledge the trials and tribulations they faced to build it. The cameras do not capture the pain behind closed doors, the expectations weighing on them, and the fight to find their true purpose.

Strength is found in honesty, admitting that you’re going through challenging times but persisting to carry on. Sport is all about resilience, but it’s time we redefine that meaning. The athletes who show vulnerability, the open wounds they carry every day, and the stories they share are a reminder that our humanity should not be a weakness. It’s a foundation of truth: strength.