Talent is absolutely real. You can watch 6 year olds play soccer and see very clearly that even at that age, some kids have it and some don't. Basic coordination, speed, etc.
Obviously hard work is an important piece of the puzzle, but we all know the cat 3 who trains like a madman but just can't keep moving up, doesn't get any faster. If you have the talent and the work ethic you'll be successful, but you absolutely gotta have both.