Who is a true team player in sports? What do you think about when you watch Michael Jordan play basketball? What do you think of when you watch Cristiano Ronaldo or Pelé play football? Are they remembered as great individual players or as great team players? In today's sport, fans often forget the term "team player." Most of the time the star player forgets what it means to be a team player, but what does it really mean? Many believe that the definition of a team player is the person who does all the work for the big players on the team. I think the true definition of a team player is one who is driven to make the team successful, through training, learning the game and putting in great individual performances. In all sports, there is no particular definition of a team player, but in sports like basketball and football, these players are a necessity. According to Wiktionary.com, a team player, “is a person who can function effectively within a group of individuals, sharing information and striving to achieve a common goal” (Wiktionary). I think the dictionary definition of a team player is perfect because it explains what a team needs to be successful. For example, in football and basketball, there are players who are readers, or callers, who announce what needs to happen if the team wants to get the ball or even score. The definition of team player can be misused in different ways and most star players might be confused with what the terms teamwork and team spirit actually mean. Take for example the case of Allen Iverson. He is all too well known for his misunderstanding of the term team player during a 2002 press conference after a game with the Philadelphia 76ers. Allen Iverson was known for being... middle of paper ...... game and during practice to know how to do better. The term team player can be misinterpreted by many players and fans. Many people considered Allen Iverson and Ronaldinho early in his career to be great team players because they were amazing for their teams and led them to victories. So, is there really a solid definition of teamwork? Zlatan, even though he had a big head, shows what a real team player he is. He often puts his personal success aside and prioritizes his teammates. Michael Jordan is also an American hero because he won so many times using first team technique. The tactic of teamwork, team first, is what makes the sport so amazing to watch, because now instead of one key player on the team doing all the work, you see the entire team playing incredibly as one. That being said, the true definition of a team player depends on both the success of the player and the success of the team..