Football is all about emotions—the highs, the lows, and those unforgettable moments that make it all worthwhile. And what better day to celebrate pure football joy than International Happiness Day?
So, we at Sofascore did what any football-loving team would do – our Content team reached out to some of the world’s top players with one simple question: What’s the happiest moment of your career? Their answers? A mix of childhood dreams coming true, last-minute heroics, and history-making victories.
From title-winning celebrations to personal milestones that meant the world, here’s what football’s biggest stars had to say about their happiest career moments.
Paulo Dybala – The Ultimate Dream: Winning the World Cup
Ask any footballer what their ultimate dream is, and most will say the same thing: winning the FIFA World Cup. For Paulo Dybala, that dream became reality in 2022, when Argentina lifted the trophy in Qatar. “World Cup 2022, of course!” he replied, summing up a moment of pure football bliss.
Marc Bartra – Overcoming Adversity in Dortmund
Marc Bartra has played on some of football’s biggest stages, but one moment stands out—the first match he played after the 2017 Dortmund bus attack. After suffering injuries in the explosion, his return to the pitch was more than just football; it was about resilience, strength, and defying the odds. “My first game after the bomb attack in Dortmund,” he recalls, a moment that meant more than any trophy.
Andreas Pereira – A Family Dream Realized with Brazil
Scoring on your international debut is special, but for Andreas Pereira, it meant even more. His goal against Peru wasn’t just about football—it was about fulfilling his family’s dream. “My father and my uncle were both footballers, and their dream was to play for Brazil. This was my first match for Brazil, and to score on my debut was special!”
Bruno Guimarães – The Joy of a First Professional Goal
For Bruno Guimarães, his happiest football moment wasn’t a trophy or a final—it was his first professional goal. Scoring at the highest level is a feeling every player dreams of, and for him, that first goal was a turning point. “My first game as a pro and my first goal as well,” he recalled. A simple, but unforgettable moment.
Kalidou Koulibaly – Lifting AFCON with Senegal
Winning a major international trophy is a moment that defines careers. For Kalidou Koulibaly, that moment came in 2022, when Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in their history. “Winning AFCON 2022!” he said, proving that nothing beats making history with your country.
Simon Mignolet – The Magic of a Liverpool Debut
Making your debut for a club like Liverpool is a memory no player forgets. For Simon Mignolet, walking onto the pitch at Anfield for the first time was his ultimate football high. “Liverpool debut,” he said—short and sweet, but carrying the weight of a lifetime of hard work.
Rafael Leão – Bringing the Scudetto Back to AC Milan
AC Milan fans waited 11 long years to see their team lift the Serie A title again. Rafael Leão played a massive role in their 2021-22 triumph, and for him, winning the Scudetto was an unforgettable moment. “Scudetto!” he simply stated—a one-word answer that speaks volumes.
Mark Flekken – Representing His Country for the First Time
For many players, nothing compares to wearing their national team jersey for the first time. Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken remembers his international debut as his happiest career moment. “That would definitely be my national team debut!” he said, proving that club success is one thing, but playing for your country is another.
Ivan Perišić – Proud to Represent Croatia
Playing for your national team is a dream many footballers work towards, and for Ivan Perišić, the day he put on the Croatian jersey for the first time was his proudest. “My happiest moment is the debut for the national team!” he said, a milestone that started an illustrious international career.
Thiago Silva – European Glory with Chelsea
After years of near misses, Thiago Silva finally lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2021. The legendary defender described it as his happiest football moment: “Champions League!” Winning European football’s most prestigious prize? Hard to argue with that.
Football, Happiness, and the Moments That Matter
These moments prove that football is more than just a game—it’s about passion, dreams, and the emotions that come with them. From historic titles to personal milestones, every player’s happiest moment tells a unique story of resilience, achievement, and pure football joy.
So, whether it’s winning a World Cup, scoring that first professional goal, or lifting a trophy for your club, football has a way of delivering moments that last a lifetime.
At Sofascore, we celebrate these moments and bring fans closer to the game through real-time stats, insights, and stories that matter.