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“I will never forget where I came from. Because that gave me strength.” – Richarlison
Not every talent is born on lush European training pitches. Not everyone has access to professional academies, proper nutrition, or modern football boots. Some are born into a world where the daily struggle isn’t about winning a match but simply surviving. Just like Richarlison de Andrade, a boy from Brazil whose story is a true example of determination, dreams, and the courage never to give up.
BEGINNING IN THE FAVELA
Richarlison grew up in Nova Venécia – a poor Brazilian neighborhood where violence and drugs were part of daily life. As a child, he sold ice cream and washed cars to help his family make ends meet. He had no computer, no football boots, no perfect training conditions. He had only one thing – love for football.
Sometimes he went to bed hungry. Sometimes he wasn’t allowed to try out because he didn’t have the right clothes. But he never gave up.
WITH A GUN TO HIS HEAD
In one interview, Richarlison recalled a moment that could have ended everything before it even started:
“If the gun had been loaded, I wouldn’t be here today.”
As a teenager, he was mistaken for a gang member and had a gun pointed at his head. The only thing that saved him was the gun jamming. That moment made him even more certain – he had to escape this world.
ONLY ONE CHANCE – AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT
At age 16, he traveled over 600 kilometers for a trial, carrying only one set of clothes, a pair of shoes, and a little money. If he didn’t get in, he had no way to return home.
But he made it.
Then came the move to Fluminense, and two years later – to Europe, to Watford. Later, it was Everton, Tottenham, the Brazilian national team, an Olympic gold medal, and the World Cup.
ALWAYS A BOY FROM NOVA VENÉCIA AT HEART
Richarlison never forgets where he came from. He takes part in social projects, supports kids from poor neighborhoods, and helps his family and neighbors financially. He doesn’t do it for show – he does it because he knows what it’s like to have nothing.
WHAT CAN A YOUNG PLAYER LEARN FROM THIS STORY?
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YOUR BACKGROUND DOESN’T DEFINE YOUR FUTURE – you can start with nothing, but if you have heart and will to fight, you can reach your goals.
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NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS – Richarlison had dozens of reasons to quit. He didn’t give up once.
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INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING – TAKE ACTION – no matter the conditions, you can always do something: train, seek opportunities, improve.
TO END: A QUESTION FOR YOU
What did you do today to get closer to your dream?
Remember – every training session, every decision, every day is a step toward your goal. If Richarlison managed to escape a place where even hope was rare, you too can achieve anything if you believe in it and take action.
