For Thierno Barry, football has always been more than just a sport - it's a way of life. The Frenchman, who has recently found his goalscoring touch at Everton, has spoken candidly about how he rediscovered his love for the game after a difficult start in Switzerland.
Barry, 29, had proven his talent in the Belgian second division at Beveren but struggled to replicate that form in Basel, where he was plagued by pressure and self-doubt. His poor form led him to take a break from football, away from the limelight of the professional game, and instead found solace on a Zanzibar beach surrounded by 10-year-old boys.
However, after re-engaging with the game, Barry's confidence and form began to flourish. He eventually attracted attention from Villarreal, who made him their £27m signing. The move brought new challenges but also fresh opportunities for the striker.
Barry credits his parents and girlfriend for keeping him grounded amidst the highs and lows of football. "Sometimes it is not about a goal, but the sentiment," he says. "My parents were watching the game and they heard the standing ovation. After the game my mum called me and said: 'You see, the people love you. You need to give the love back.'"
Despite his tough start in England, Barry's work ethic and dedication have been instrumental in his success. He has a team of experts who cater to his every need, from personal trainers and nutritionists to physios and chefs.
The striker is now settled at Everton with plans to put down roots with his girlfriend and nine-month-old daughter. "All the [previous] clubs, before we talk I said: 'My dream is to play in the Premier League,' so if I come here, it's because I want to go to the Premier League, I want to prove here that I can play there."
Barry's mantra, inscribed on his wrist, reads "Me v Me." This personal mantra has helped him cope with pressure and self-doubt. When he plays well, he sees himself as a force against himself, rather than an individual entity.
Barry, 29, had proven his talent in the Belgian second division at Beveren but struggled to replicate that form in Basel, where he was plagued by pressure and self-doubt. His poor form led him to take a break from football, away from the limelight of the professional game, and instead found solace on a Zanzibar beach surrounded by 10-year-old boys.
However, after re-engaging with the game, Barry's confidence and form began to flourish. He eventually attracted attention from Villarreal, who made him their £27m signing. The move brought new challenges but also fresh opportunities for the striker.
Barry credits his parents and girlfriend for keeping him grounded amidst the highs and lows of football. "Sometimes it is not about a goal, but the sentiment," he says. "My parents were watching the game and they heard the standing ovation. After the game my mum called me and said: 'You see, the people love you. You need to give the love back.'"
Despite his tough start in England, Barry's work ethic and dedication have been instrumental in his success. He has a team of experts who cater to his every need, from personal trainers and nutritionists to physios and chefs.
The striker is now settled at Everton with plans to put down roots with his girlfriend and nine-month-old daughter. "All the [previous] clubs, before we talk I said: 'My dream is to play in the Premier League,' so if I come here, it's because I want to go to the Premier League, I want to prove here that I can play there."
Barry's mantra, inscribed on his wrist, reads "Me v Me." This personal mantra has helped him cope with pressure and self-doubt. When he plays well, he sees himself as a force against himself, rather than an individual entity.
I'm so done with Thierno Barry's whole "rediscovering his love for football" thing. It sounds like a total cop-out to me. I mean, if you're struggling, take a break and figure out what's going on instead of just coasting around the world playing football all day. And those 10-year-old boys on the beach? That's just a bunch of kids being used as therapy for Barry's issues. I'm not buying it 
I love Thierno Barry's attitude, you know? He takes time to figure things out, and it paid off. The way he talks about his parents and girlfriend being the ones to keep him grounded is so inspiring. And that "Me v Me" mantra? Genius! It's not just a phrase, it's a way of life. 
I can see why he's doing well now at Everton - he's got the right mindset. Plus, 9-month-old daughter on the way? That's amazing news for him and his family 
. He's living proof that you're never too old (or young) to find your groove again 
.
. And that "Me v Me" mantra is actually kinda inspiring, even if it sounds a bit zen 
. Maybe we can learn from Barry's approach to pressure and self-doubt?
It just goes to show that sometimes, taking a step back and recharging can be the best thing you can do. His story is like a breath of fresh air, reminding us that it's not about external validation, but finding your own inner love for what you do 
. And I gotta say, his mantra "Me v Me" (himself against himself) is super relatable and empowering! 
. His "Me v Me" mantra is all about self-reflection & self-love. It's a reminder that our struggles are our own, and we gotta face them head-on 
.
just read about thierno barry who's had a hard time in football but found solace on a zanzibar beach 
his story is kinda inspiring but also kinda sad that he went through all that 
like what if his parents and girlfriend hadn't called him when they heard the standing ovation? 
also, me v me as a mantra feels kinda weird 
! It's so inspiring to see how taking a break from the game and focusing on his mental health helped him rediscover his love for football 
. The fact that he credits his parents and girlfriend for keeping him grounded amidst all the pressure is so sweet 
- it's like, self-love and self-care in a nutshell! As someone who's passionate about wellness, I think this is such a great reminder that taking care of ourselves both on and off the pitch is just as important as our performance. 
!