Why sports stars always talk about proving their haters wrong

Analysis: Elite sports stars from Michael Jordan to Jude Bellingham have always used media criticism as motivational fuel

It's one of the oldest tactics used by coaches and athletes across sport: print all the hurtful lies and unjustified criticism which the media has written about you and stick it up on the dressing room wall. Players can walk over and read the various critiques and jibes written by journalists and pundits, offering a handy motivational boost and a reminder of why they need to prove their doubters wrong.

It is a fascinating (and highly effective) psychological mind game that helps create an us-against-the-world siege mentality. In the cut-throat world of elite-level professional sport and marginal gains, squeezing out those extra few percentage points in terms of an athlete's individual performance is essential in deciding the winners and losers.

Often, media criticism is entirely justified and not intended as malicious. Fundamentally, it is the role of the media to offer both praise and criticism when each one is merited and necessary. It’s a foundation of sports journalism to offer balanced and truthful analysis of performances.

'You do have to take it personally... sometimes it feels like there is a bit of a pile-on. In moments like that, it's nice to throw it back to some people'

Jude Bellingham on the criticism England have received from their fans and media#euro2024
Report: https://t.co/SxnxG2kKK7 pic.twitter.com/RElA5PvzGd

There's a long and fascinating history of athletes using the media as a tool to motivate themselves. Speaking after his side’s dramatic victory against Slovakia, England goalscorer Jude Bellingham gave an intriguing insight into how he uses haters and doubters as motivation.