The present trophy holders, France have a spectacular team at this World Cup. They were successful in their run the last time they played for the coveted trophy and this time they have already come as far as the semi-finals. The reason behind such a great run of wins comes from a team that hosts quite a number of world-class players. The players are not only talented but also self-motivated and their perspectives can be inspirational to others.

Here are 5 inspiring quotes from five different players of Les Bleus, the French football team.

I don't want them to compare me to one or the other - I want people to know me for being Griezmann
— Antoine Griezmann

As great as Griezmann is in the blue jersey for France, quite often he remains unappreciated. However, when he does get the spotlight, he is compared to other players. While it is flattering to be compared to legends that came before you, it should not be one's ultimate goal. We should always strive to reach such heights that we are recognised on our own. This idea pushes us to go further and work harder. Do not be one that needs an example. Be one that becomes an example.

It's nice to be at the top but the most difficult thing is to stay at the top.
— Olivier Giroud

Giroud knows what it is like to be at the top, that's for sure! He is a world champion and also France's all-time top scorer. Because he has been at the top, he knows exactly how difficult it is to hold that position. This is a lesson that everyone should keep in mind. It is a battle to reach the top but a war to stay there. You always have to work harder and make sacrifices to hold that coveted position because from the moment you are at the top, others will be trying to get there as well. The only way to stay there is if you are fighting for the position like it is the first time.

People have wanted me to change and it annoys me…take me as I am
— Raphael Varane

It seems that in any society, people always want you to change. While change can be good sometimes, changing who you are at your core is not a great idea. If you change yourself to appeal to other people, you will lose yourself and become a shell of your true self. That comes with a feeling of emptiness within, a feeling that is not desirable. The French defender seems to know this fact and he refuses to change his true self; a lesson we should learn from him.

I get up in the morning and I go to practice like everyone else.
— Kylian Mbappé

Barely 23 and already a world champion. He is also the second most expensive footballer in the world — Kylian Mbappé has had the luck of achieving such accolades at an early age. He gets a lot of media attention and is celebrated like a champion. However, Mbappé is well aware that it is important to keep your feet on the ground. Nothing comes without hard work and the moment that you stop working, you will lose your place, no matter how high it is. The young Frenchman knows this and says it like it is — he has to work for it, just like everyone else.

We always have something to prove.
— Hugo Lloris

Whether it is a football game or a simple assignment at your hands, whatever it is that you are doing, remember that while it may appear to be an ordinary task, there is an implication of it. How you perform your tasks leaves an impression on others. As Lloris said, there's always something to prove and usually, it's a chance to prove yourself. So, whether you decide to get inspired and prove yourself or just let the chance slip by, is up to you.