Question 1

His football career conflicted with his ambition to address global inequality.

Accepted Answer

Neven Subotic juggled an interesting double-life, one as a professional footballer and the other as a philanthropist providing clean water to those in need. It wasn't an easy path, as his coaches and team members often questioned his dedication to the game, viewing his charity work as a diversion. His unique blend of interests consequently earned him the title, "the different footballer."

Turning down pleas for assistance was a daunting task, yet Subotic remained steadfast in his ambitious quest to shrink the global inequality gap through his foundation. Eventually, these experiences led him to embark on an even bigger mission: quitting football and committing his attention fully to making the world more equitable.

Choosing this path wasn't straightforward, but these unique experiences significantly molded Subotic's life values and directed his actions. His hope now is to use his story as a beacon to inspire and encourage others to discover a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. He invites everyone to use their platform, however big or small, to contribute to a more balanced world.

Question 2

Fleeing conflict and embracing empathetic justice shaped Neven Subotic's journey and worldview.

Accepted Answer

Growing up in Germany after escaping Yugoslavia, Neven Subotic found it difficult to comprehend the concept of war or escape as a child. Life seemed normal, filled with friends and school days, but differences existed beneath the surface. His parents' hard work to secure a livelihood was evident, and presents weren't as abundant as they were for others.

A particular memory stands out of a truck filled with aid goods destined for children in Yugoslavia. Holding on to the chocolate felt important—why couldn't it be kept instead? Later, Subotic understood the significance: it was about sharing, compassion, and equality.

At the age of ten, leaving Germany became necessary. Despite longing to stay and having friends and future plans, the journey led to the USA. Starting a new life filled with work and hope became the norm, as his parents tirelessly tried to provide access to education.

Reflecting on privileges, opportunities, and birthplace became significant for Subotic. Realizing the disparity between those living in abundance and those facing hunger was unavoidable. Trips to Ethiopia evoked guilt about wealth.

This personal history shaped Subotic's understanding, teaching him that hard work is essential and looking back is not. He sees the opportunity to utilize fortune and chances to weave bits of fairness into the world.

Question 3

Neven Subotic learned overcoming adversity, ambition, and resilience through migrations and football.

Accepted Answer

Neven Subotic's family was forced to flee Bosnia due to war. Seeking refuge in Germany, Subotic began engaging in football. His father, ambitious and disciplined, instilled these values through sports. They eventually migrated to the United States, where Subotic had the chance to join the U.S National Team, pleasing his father. Subotic foresaw the opportunity to return to Europe and pursue his passion for football. The family's resilience and determination to start afresh repeatedly highlight the father's influence, teaching Subotic to never give up, a lesson he cherished throughout his journey.

Question 4

Rapid professional football success revealed wealth's inability to provide personal fulfillment.

Accepted Answer

Imagine being a young soccer player in Germany, swiftly rising to a renowned Bundesliga player with a six-figure salary. This sudden wealth transformed Neven Subotic's life, bringing luxury cars, houses, and a lavish lifestyle. Initially unsure of what to do with his wealth, he spent excessively on needless items. Over time, Subotic realized this lifestyle didn't increase his happiness, leading to dissatisfaction and confusion about his life's purpose. Understanding the potential of his wealth to support others, he began discerning genuine needs from dubious requests. Subotic believes players can turn their fortunes towards making the world a better place, even in small increments.

Question 5

Jürgen Klopp, as a coach and mentor, instilled respect and self-belief in me.

Accepted Answer

Neven Subotic's football career under Jürgen Klopp at BVB Dortmund was transformative. Klopp was more than a coach; he was a father figure and mentor, aiding in personal and professional development. He taught players to handle mistakes, offered direction, and boosted self-belief, treating them with respect and recognizing their potential. Subotic learned to appreciate fans, initially distant cheerleaders, as dedicated supporters. Memorable moments with fans deepened his understanding of football's significance, realizing that without them, the essence of the game would be lost.

Question 6

Football's allure lies in community and fairness, overshadowed by business interests.

Accepted Answer

For Neven Subotic, football is a profound passion rooted in community and justice. However, the sport's dark side reveals itself through injuries downplayed and immense performance pressure. Players' careers are brief and risky, with the sport centered more on business than principles. Subotic believes change is possible within the community. Players, as role models, can address social responsibilities, contributing to a fairer, more humane system that emphasizes the virtues of the sport. Every individual has a role to play in this transformation.

Question 7

True engagement requires understanding others' struggles, not just occasional donations.

Accepted Answer

As a young professional soccer player, Neven Subotic volunteered in children's homes and supported underprivileged kids. Though praised for his contributions, he questioned their true value. Frequent travels exposed him to poverty, prompting him to understand social issues deeply. Conversations with friends from different backgrounds further expanded his perspective. Subotic realized true involvement required more than occasional donations; it demanded genuine understanding of others' struggles and a willingness to delve deeper. He yearned to make a tangible difference, contributing to something larger and more profound.

Question 8

A successful footballer turns humanitarian, finding fulfillment through global water crisis activism.

Accepted Answer

Neven Subotic, a professional footballer in Germany, found himself unsatisfied with his materially driven lifestyle. A book triggered his realization to seek a deeper purpose. Engaging in social activities and researching the global water crisis, he initiated a foundation to improve access to clean water in Ethiopia. This mission transformed him personally, leading him to downsize his lifestyle and devote himself fully. Despite criticism, Subotic believed in global justice over nationalist sentiment. His commitment to serving others became the channel through which he found fulfillment and a new sense of purpose.

Question 9

Subotic admires Ethiopians' selflessness and dedication towards communal upliftment amidst adversity.

Accepted Answer

Neven Subotic's journey to Ethiopia introduced him to individuals devoted to improving their communities despite poverty. In Mozambique, he met Jose, who ensured clean water access selflessly. In Ethiopia, he encountered Mulu, a head teacher expanding education despite limited resources, and Whib, a geologist aiding villages instead of seeking personal gain. Their stories highlighted humanity flourishing amidst hardship. Subotic recognized his privileged outlook and focused on alleviating inequality, inspired by their spirit of selfless service for the greater good.

Question 10

Partnership, not patronage, is vital for global fairness and honoring Africa's resilience.

Accepted Answer

Living in Africa presents a different reality defined by arduous work and water worries. Despite hardships, the people are warm-hearted and cheerful. Europe prospers from Africa's inexpensive resources while its inhabitants live in poverty. Neven Subotic believes achieving global justice requires shifting our mindset from viewing Africans as needy to equal partners. Respecting their history and culture and appreciating their resilience is essential. Establishing partnerships for mutual growth and learning is key to a balanced world where justice and prosperity are shared by all.

Question 11

Clean water access, a basic right, enhances dignity, health, and fosters thriving communities.

Accepted Answer

Clean water is essential for survival and dignity, yet billions lack access to it. In rural Ethiopia, people walk long distances for polluted water, causing diseases and fatalities. A holistic solution with wells and sanitary infrastructure can turn this around. Neven Subotic highlights how clean water restores community dignity, allows children to focus on education, and improves women's health and agriculture. Appreciating easy access to clean water should remind us of its value. Subotic believes that every new well promises progress, as water equates to life.

Question 12

Subotic parallels his childhood war experiences with current conflicts in Ethiopia, focusing on humanitarian efforts.

Accepted Answer

Neven Subotic parallels his childhood experiences during the Yugoslavian war with current conflicts in Ethiopia, where his foundation operates. Since 2020, Ethiopia has faced war between the central government and Tigray, with alarming human rights violations and civilian casualties. Subotic's focus is on humanitarian efforts amidst the crisis. His foundation collaborates with local partners in Tigray to drill wells and ensure water supply, despite war challenges. Expanding efforts to Kenya and Tanzania, Subotic emphasizes providing essential resources during crises, highlighting the importance of tending to basic necessities.

Question 13

Accepted Answer

Final Summary: "Alles geben" is a thoughtful narrative by Neven Subotic, a renowned football player, who expresses his belief in a just world and the role that everyone can play in realizing it. The book tells the story of his journey from professional football to philanthropy, giving insight into the motivations that led Subotic to make the dramatic change. Throughout the book, Subotic repeatedly emphasizes the importance of not only being sympathetic to the injustices of the world, but also taking action against them. The book serves as a call to arms, encouraging each reader to make use of their resources - money, time, thoughts - to improve societal conditions. Subotic also underlines that being "all in" is not about achieving perfection but about the will to continuously improve oneself and the world around them, knowing that the fight for justice has no finish line.

10 Specific Actions to Implement Learnings:

1. Self Reflection: Always ask yourself what you truly want, who you want to be and how you can make a societal impact.

2. Don't Stop Improving: Always strive for improvement, in yourself and in the world. Aim for the maximum, not the minimum.

3. Give All In: Whatever resources you have - time, money, or thoughts - give them towards making a difference, whether it's in your immediate surroundings or the larger world.

4. Go Global: Measure and understand the impact your actions can have globally because we are a connected community.

5. Unrestricted Generosity: Allow yourself the luxury of indulging but balance it with acts of generosity. Being self-rewarding should not curb our capacity to give.

6. Challenge Injustice: Recognize the injustices around you, consider them your task and work towards addressing them.

7. Share Knowledge: Gather knowledge and experiences and share them with organizations within your network to create effective change.

8. Flexible Idealism: Accept that there is no perfect state of being, but persist in chasing your ideal, as it is a driving force.

9. Embrace Uncomfortability: Summon the courage to change status quo, even if it's intimidating or uncomfortable at first; it often leads to novel experiences and relationships.

10. Daily Integration: Integrate the mission to give all in into your daily routine, not just as an annual event. This could mean extending the life of your gadgets, increasing your green buys, signing petitions, or making regular donations.

Give Everything - Book Summary (2024)