What happens is once you start to understand football, you realise that it's not just about the physical side of the game and chasing after a ball. It's a strategic sport which requires a lot of intelligence. It's a very mental game.

Shakira's quote highlights the strategic and mental aspects of football, challenging the common perception that the sport is purely about physical athleticism. She emphasizes that once you begin to truly understand the game, you realize it's not just about running and chasing a ball, but about the tactics, decisions, and intelligence that go into playing at a high level. This perspective underscores how football is as much a game of the mind as it is of the body.

By describing football as a "mental game," Shakira points to the importance of strategy, planning, and quick thinking that are required throughout the match. Players need to anticipate their opponents’ moves, create opportunities, and execute well-timed decisions, all of which demand a high degree of intelligence and awareness. The mental demands of football are what often separate the good players from the great ones, as it’s about understanding the game beyond just physical ability.

Shakira’s insight also touches on the complexity of football as a team sport, where individual decisions must be coordinated and aligned with the larger strategy of the team. It’s about playing within a system, reading the flow of the game, and making decisions that contribute to the overall goal. Her comment reveals that football requires a balance of physical and cognitive skills, with the mental aspect being just as important for success.

Ultimately, the quote challenges traditional views of football and opens up a broader conversation about how sports are often a blend of both physical prowess and intellectual skill. Shakira encourages us to see the sport as a dynamic and complex game that demands not only strength and speed but also a sharp mind.