Throughout the history of sports, there have been many defining moments of absolute brilliance. Across all sports and all disciplines, all athletes share a common passion and can appreciate the successes and accomplishments of their peers. All athletes, whether it be a cheerleader or a football player, share a common experience in life and can relate to each other's love of the sport, dedication, and overall desire to win. Athletes take intensity to a whole new level and as a result, have big moments, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Outsiders looking in may not necessarily understand the sport or relate to the players, but they are lucky to be able to capture these moments. This photograph, taken by Juan Medina, was captured after Real Madrid's win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals earlier in 2015. This photograph portrays the themes of pure joy and affection through the setting, people, and story, which ultimately reveals the idea that anything is possible with hard work as well as with the unbreakable bond between teammates. 

The formidable soccer stadium that serves as a background for this photograph aims to focus the attention on Ronaldo and teammates and their impressive victory which gives rise to feelings of accomplishment and friendship between the players (Medina). Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, located in Madrid, Spain, appears very powerful, and the bright lights and packed stands really depict a sense of importance (Medina). The bright lights along with all of the fans looking on in the background make players the center of attention and therefore very elite role models of hard work and friendship (Medina). Ronaldo and teammates immediately stand out as a result of the perspective of the photograph, which further draws the focus to their incredible victory (Medina). As any athlete knows, few victories come without the perfect combination of   hard work and team work, both of which are clearly written across all of the players faces.

The Real Madrid players pictured celebrating their victory together portray the incredible results of hard work as well as the wonderful team dynamic of comradery, both of which combined reinforce the idea that anything is possible (Medina). At first glance, it is clear that these players have worked very hard to achieve their goals and that they share a special relationship with each other. While his teammates are celebrating, one player is pictured laying on the ground, presumably out of pure exhaustion (Medina). A professional soccer game is 90 minutes long and typically the players are running up and down the field alternating between offense and defense for almost the entire time. To be successful, these players have to give it their all during the game as well as all of the practices and workouts leading up to the game. The saying may be a cliche but preparation truly is key. Ronaldo and teammates are clearly ecstatic with victory as expected. However, it is also very obvious that there is more to the situation than simply celebrating a win, as demonstrated by their loving embrace and completely candid affection towards one another (Medina). It is clear that they spend a lot of time with each other and have become very close with each other as a result, almost like family. After spending day after day with people you love, doing what you love, you come to depend on one another. Every team dynamic is slightly different but each piece of the puzzle is always just as important. Every player on any team typically has a funny nickname designated by peers, as well as a certain personality trait that is crucial to the team's success. Whether it be the team nerd, cheerleader, jokester, or chef, each and every player contributes unique attributes to the team dynamic, which is crucial for success. To be successful, each and every player needs to bring their "A game" and with both hard work and teamwork, anything is possible, as demonstrated by Real Madrid's incredible victory. 

Viewers that are sports fanatics as well as fellow athletes can relate to this photograph in that they can appreciate the unity and perseverance that is required to produce the happiness and success that results from accomplishing your goals. This photograph only represents a single moment, a single moment from a much larger journey. This photograph depicts an incredible victory but fails to communicate all of the blood, sweat, and tears that made this victory possible (Medina). Success does not simply just occur, it is earned. Success is a result of early morning workouts, long practices, time management skills, social media awareness, and unbelievable amounts of both physical and mental strength. Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, began playing soccer at age 10 and has been infatuated and hugely successful ever since. Upon looking at the picture, the amount of love for the sport and for each other by each player is very obvious. This photograph uses pathos to communicate the unbelievable journey of Ronaldo and teammates in just one picture by appealing to the viewers own experiences and emotions towards the sport (Medina). It is important to note that people that do not enjoy sports will most likely not understand the significance of this photograph. They will not understand the delight and pride one experiences from accomplishing one's goals. They will not understand the importance of hard work and teamwork. And lastly, they will not understand the special feeling that results from success among friends. 

As demonstrated by this photograph, anything is possible with hard work, and having amazing teammates by your side makes the hard work that much more bearable and enjoyable.  The moment captured of Ronaldo and teammates is full of happiness and success, both of which would not exist without dedication and the extraordinary bond between teammates.  Teammates love you and protect you, but they also push you to constantly be better, to work harder, to get stronger. In a sense, when combined with hard work, teammates make you a champion. There is nothing more rewarding that working incredibly hard to achieve your goals, especially when you can share that moment with some of your best friends.

