Ball boys and girls are among the most overlooked figures in football, yet their presence is essential to the flow of the game. They are seen as young kids positioned around the pitch, tasked with retrieving and returning the ball quickly. But beyond the surface, their role is far more intricate, sometimes even strategic, influencing the tempo of matches. They operate under strict instructions, endure psychological pressure, and, at times, become unexpected heroes or villains in football history.
Contrary to popular belief, not just anyone can be a ball boy. The selection process varies from club to club. Some professional teams recruit from their youth academies, ensuring those on the sidelines have a deep understanding of the game. Others hold trials or select ball boys from local schools or community programs. In elite competitions like the UEFA Champions League and FIFA tournaments, the selection process is even stricter, with rigorous training sessions preparing them for the role.
Training extends beyond simply retrieving the ball. Ball boys are positioned strategically around the stadium for quick access to balls at all times. They are briefed on how to react to different scenarios, when to speed up play for a team in need of a goal and when to subtly slow it down to favor the home side. Some clubs, particularly in South America and Europe, have been known to instruct ball boys to engage in time-wasting tactics when their team is winning. In contrast, teams like Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp train their ball boys to return the ball immediately, keeping the tempo high to exploit opposition weaknesses.
Being a ball boy may seem simple, but the pressure can be immense, especially in high-stakes matches. A misplaced throw, a moment of hesitation, or even a second of distraction can have consequences. Ball boys are expected to be sharp, attentive, and efficient. Some have even been scapegoated for costly mistakes. One infamous incident occurred in 2013 when Eden Hazard was sent off for kicking a ball boy who appeared to be deliberately wasting time during Chelsea’s EFL Cup match against Swansea. This moment highlighted the emotional intensity surrounding the role ball boys are not just passive participants but, at times, unwilling actors in football drama.
On the other hand, there have been instances where ball boys have played pivotal roles in major games. A famous example was Liverpool’s incredible comeback against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final. A quick-thinking ball boy, Oakley Cannonier, rapidly supplied the ball for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner, allowing Divock Origi to score while the Barcelona defense was caught off guard.
One of the biggest perks of being a ball boy is proximity to some of the world’s greatest footballers. Unlike fans watching from the stands, ball boys stand just meters away from their idols. They witness the intensity of matches up close, hear conversations between players, and experience the raw emotions of victory and defeat firsthand. For some, this experience is life-changing. Many ball boys and girls have gone on to become professional footballers themselves. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé all had their moments as ball boys before rising to superstardom.
The interactions with players can also be unforgettable. Some footballers acknowledge ball boys after matches, offering jerseys, taking pictures, or giving words of encouragement. Others have humorous exchanges, like Neymar playfully interacting with ball boys in Brazil or José Mourinho high-fiving a quick-thinking ball boy at Tottenham for helping his team gain an advantage.
Despite the perks, being a ball boy isn’t always glamorous. It requires standing for long hours, sometimes in freezing temperatures or under pouring rain. Mistakes can lead to verbal abuse from players, fans, and even managers. In some cases, they face hostility if they are perceived as favoring one team over another.
In South America, some clubs have been accused of using ball boys as part of gamesmanship tactics. Reports suggest teams instruct their ball boys to disappear when the opposition is attacking or to delay returning the ball to disrupt momentum. Even in Europe, referees sometimes intervene when ball boys fail to return the ball promptly. During a heated English Premier League match, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri once argued with a ball boy for allegedly wasting time in favor of the opposing team.
For many young football fans, being a ball boy is a dream come true. It offers a unique perspective on the sport, allowing them to experience the game from the sidelines rather than the stands. Some cherish the memories for a lifetime, while others use it as motivation to pursue a career in football.
The role also instills discipline, responsibility, and attentiveness qualities that extend beyond football. Former ball boys often develop a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the sport running smoothly.
At its core, the job of a ball boy is simple: keep the game flowing. But within that simplicity lies a world of hidden responsibilities, high-pressure moments, and even opportunities to influence matches. They may not score goals or make tackles, but ball boys remain an integral part of football’s machinery shaping the game in ways most people never realize.
The next time you watch a football match, take a moment to notice the ball boys. Their role may seem minor, but their quick thinking and presence shape the rhythm of the game in ways most fans never realize. Have you ever had an experience as a ball boy, or do you know someone who has? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation
BY Fakorede King Abdulmajeed
0 Comments