Teamwork and the power of serving in the shadows

Giovanni van Bronckhorst knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight. As a player, he lifted the Premier League trophy and won the Champions League. As a manager, he guided Rangers to the Europa League final. Yet today, instead of prowling the touchline as the leading man, he sits on the Liverpool bench - not even Arne Slot’s number two.

Similarly, Gabriel Heinze, once a fierce competitor for Manchester United and Real Madrid and a respected coach in Argentina, is now part of the Arsenal staff.

Both men could easily pursue head coaching roles elsewhere, yet they’ve chosen supporting positions at two of the world’s biggest clubs. Why?

The importance of teamwork

The answer lies in something more profound than football - teamwork.

In modern culture, being “number one” is glorified. Spotlights, authority, recognition - these are what many chase. Van Bronckhorst and Heinze have chosen instead to contribute their wisdom, passion, and experience from the background, where their influence may be quieter but no less significant.

Teamwork isn’t just important in sport - it’s vital in every area of life. At home, at work, and especially in the church, success depends on the contributions of many.

So many church leaders today are leaving their roles or taking time off due to burnout, illustrating how demanding the pressure to “lead” can be. Yet the body of Christ, like any strong team, thrives when every member serves faithfully, whether seen or unseen.

As Paul wrote, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you’” (1 Corinthians 12v21). Christ Himself modelled this kind of servanthood, coming not to be served but to serve (Mark 10v45).

The same principle applies on the pitch. No striker, coach, or star player can carry a team alone. Every role - player, assistant, analyst, or supporter - matters. A squad only functions when each member knows their part and values the contributions of others.

Ultimately, van Bronckhorst and Heinze remind us that greatness isn’t always about standing in front - it’s about standing together.

In sport, in church, and in life, true victory isn’t measured in medals, headlines, or titles, but in the quiet faithfulness of serving one another. Those who understand this, who embrace the strength of teamwork, shape not only successful teams but stronger communities and, ultimately, a better world.