The 2022 Champions League semi-final at the Santiago Bernabéu witnessed over 60,000 spectators as Manchester City led 1-0. I was on the Real Madrid bench when Carlo Ancelotti summoned me to the field, urging me to play with aggression and take charge of the match.
I entered the game in the 68th minute and, by the 90th, I managed to score an equalizer, yet we still trailed on aggregate. Shortly after the restart, I netted another goal, forcing the match into extra time. Ultimately, we emerged victorious, claiming another title after defeating Liverpool in the final. This moment underscores the vital role that coaches play in a team’s journey and their impact on a player’s career, often working behind the scenes without public recognition.
Having played under Ancelotti, I appreciate the clarity of his methods. His approach resonates with players, as the true dynamics of football unfold away from the spotlight. For those outside the locker room, predicting his decisions can be challenging. It is understandable that observers may feel disoriented, as expectations of his choices often differ from the reality.
However, it’s important to recognize that his decisions are always made with great care, reflecting a remarkable consistency that arises from his deep tactical acumen and his ability to manage team dynamics effectively. As we approach Monday’s match against Japan, I am confident that my fellow Brazilians, particularly those new to his philosophy, will increasingly embrace the work of our coach.
Ancelotti embodies a fatherly figure to us. I hold him in high esteem, both as a coach and as a person. He engages with us, providing support on matters both on and off the pitch. I recently learned about a documentary series being made about him, and I have no doubt it will be remarkable. In today’s world, platforms like social media and YouTube offer unprecedented access to the inner workings of clubs and national teams, revealing moments of football history that were once kept hidden or disclosed only in books long after the events.
Nonetheless, numerous conversations occur within the confines of locker rooms and meeting spaces. It is within these private settings that the true greatness of mentors shines: during discussions about family, addressing grievances, and providing guidance on the correct path forward.
I recall the first coach who recognized my potential aside from my father: Eric Goes, a former player whose influence still inspires me. At just six years old, I played street football with older kids in Osasco, a city in the São Paulo metropolitan area. They were significantly older and trained at a local youth academy, but I was deemed too young to join.
One day, the academy coach paused to observe our street game, a local “pelada.” After we had exhausted ourselves, he called me over, took my picture, and signed me up for a municipal tournament, marking my entry into competitive football, despite being half the age of my teammates. At that moment, I understood my father’s wisdom: to succeed, I must confront tougher opponents and challenge the best.
During my time in the Santos youth system, I would watch the professional team and dream of donning that jersey, envisioning the fans chanting my name at Vila Belmiro. Jair Ventura, my coach, played a pivotal role in that journey. He promoted me to the first team in 2018, illuminating the path for my talent to flourish. Jair values the human aspect of coaching, taking the time to understand players’ lives and aspirations. When I shared my ambition to play for Real Madrid, he believed in my determination, leading to more opportunities for me. By 2019, after numerous matches, I received an offer, and Ventura was among the first to learn of it.
As the 2022 World Cup approached, Tite, Brazil’s then-manager, consulted Ventura about another player, during which Ventura highlighted my playing style and strengths. He described me as unique, emphasizing that his role was simply to help launch my professional career. This seemingly modest contribution can indeed mean everything. Eventually, I received my first call-up to the senior national team, remaining part of Tite’s squad throughout the cycle, culminating in my debut at my first World Cup in Qatar.
Recently, I encountered Luiz Felipe Scolari at the Seleção Copa show on SporTV in New York, and it became clear why the 2002 World Cup-winning team is often referred to as the “Scolari Family.” Felipão views football as a platform for authentic connections, treating players with respect, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing their potential for growth.
Throughout my career thus far, I have been fortunate to learn from various elite coaches and individuals I deeply respect, including Zinedine Zidane, Fernando Diniz, Xabi Alonso, and Álvaro Arbeloa. I am currently focused on my recovery, hoping to join Real Madrid under José Mourinho, a manager known for his capacity to lead teams to victory. In a competitive field like football, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with someone famously recognized as “The Special One.”
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- Carlo Ancelotti
- World Cup 2026
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