At the age of 14, I was dubbed the next Pele and was tipped to become a world superstar. I had the world at my feet and was expected to reach the heights of the legendary Brazilian footballer. But 20 years on, I find myself without a club and my dreams of becoming a professional footballer have been dashed.
It all started when I was just a young boy growing up in Brazil. I had a natural talent for football and was soon spotted by scouts from some of the biggest clubs in the country. I was invited to train with them and it wasn’t long before I was being compared to the great Pele.
The comparisons were flattering, but I was determined to make a name for myself and prove that I was more than just the ‘next Pele’. I worked hard and soon I was playing for some of the biggest clubs in Brazil. I was making a name for myself and was tipped to become a world superstar.
But then, disaster struck. I suffered a serious knee injury which put me out of action for months. When I returned, I was no longer the same player. I had lost my pace and agility and was no longer able to compete at the highest level.
I was soon released by my club and found myself without a team. I was desperate to continue my career, but no one was willing to take a chance on me. I was no longer the ‘next Pele’ and my dreams of becoming a professional footballer were over.
It’s been 20 years since I was tipped to become a world superstar and I’m still without a club. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that my dreams of becoming a professional footballer have been dashed. But I still have a passion for the game and I’m determined to stay involved in some way.
I’m now a coach and I’m passing on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of footballers. I’m still hoping that one day I’ll be able to fulfil my dream of becoming a professional footballer, but until then I’ll continue to work hard and help others achieve their dreams.
