The Heartfelt Story of Evanilson: A Boy Who Drew His Mother Every Day

Evanilson’s journey begins in the modest town of Cajazeiras, where a young boy with big dreams rarely parted from his football. He wasn’t just kicking a ball around; he was building a life around it. In his childhood innocence, he found a unique way to keep his late mother, Madalena, close. Every day, he, who had a second talent, would draw her picture—a tender gesture that symbolized his deep emotional bond with her.

To truly understand Evanilson, you have to look past the game itself and into the heart of a young man shaped by love, loss, and unshakable resilience. The death of his mother, Dona Madalena, in 2017 left him devastated. She was his biggest supporter, and her death, just before he turned professional, left a void he could hardly bear. What pained him most was that she never got to see him achieve his dream or reap the rewards of his success—something he longed to give back to her. Madalena had been his rock, his biggest cheerleader, and the person he wanted to make proud the most.

Today, for Evanilson, football isn’t just a passion—it’s a tribute to his late mother for the woman who inspired his journey but didn’t live to see the fruits of his success. Life wasn’t easy for Evanilson. Growing up in a poor family, he faced immense challenges, including the high expectations of his father. Yet, despite the struggles, he remained focused and determined to rise above his circumstances. This is the story of a boy who refused to let hardship define him, channelling his pain into his passion and building a legacy in honour of his late mother.

Preamble:

Following the death of his mother, Evanilson found strength in his father, Vladimir, and his siblings, as well as in the love of his partner, Mariana Abreu. Mariana’s unwavering support became his refuge during the darkest times. Her love, combined with a pivotal moment in his career—when coach Gustavo Leal transitioned him from the wing to striker—helped him find his way again. Scoring goals became not just a skill but a way to honour his mother’s memory.

This isn’t just a story about Evanilson the footballer; it’s about Evanilson the son, the partner, and the person. It’s a journey through his childhood, introducing you to the people who shaped him: his father Valdenir, his brother Denilson Lima, and of course, Mariana Abreu, who later became the mother of his daughter. We’ll explore his personality, life outside football, his faith, and even how much he now earns playing for Bournemouth.

We invite you to dive into Evanilson’s life story—a journey that takes you from his humble beginnings in the Cajazeiras neighbourhood to the bright lights of stardom. It’s a tale of dreams, challenges, and triumphs that highlights how far this son of Valdenir and the late Madalena has come in his incredible life and career.

Childhood Story:

For starters, in his Biography reading, he bears the nickname Bebé and the full name Francisco Evanilson de Lima Barbosa. Evanilson was born on the 6th day of October 1999 to his father, Valdenir Barbosa and his late mother, Dona Madalena de Lima. The Brazilian Forward is one among numerous children born to the union between his ever-vibrant father and his late mother, whom he still misses dearly.

Growing Up Years:

At home, everyone fondly called him Bebé. Evanilson grew up surrounded by the love of a close-knit family, forming an especially deep bond with his mother, Madalena. From a young age, he was drawn to two things that defined his childhood—football and drawing.

As the son of Valdenir and Madalena, Evanilson’s passion for football was evident early on, but his artistic talent was just as remarkable. Those who know him say he had, and still has, a rare gift for bringing life to paper with a pencil. In fact, if football hadn’t been his calling, there’s little doubt Evanilson could have pursued a career as an artist. Football may be his profession, but art remains a part of who he is. The Brazilian forward grew up in a lively household with both brothers and sisters. Among his siblings, his brother Denilson Lima stands out as one of the most well-known.

Early Life:

As a young boy, Evanilson seemed tailor-made for sports—strong, fit, and bursting with energy. But what truly set him apart was the unwavering support of his father, Valdenir, who was both his first coach and his guiding light. Like many Brazilian kids, Evanilson started out playing futsal, laying the foundation for what would become a promising football career.

Valdenir wasn’t a former footballer himself, but he had a natural knack for coaching. He was the kind of dad who could manage anything he put his mind to, and when it came to his son’s football journey, he left no stone unturned. He had high expectations for Evanilson, pushing him to be the best version of himself on the field.

When Valdenir felt his son had outgrown futsal and was ready to transition fully to football, he entrusted him to the care of coach José Neto. A tactical expert, Neto had a dual role—coaching at Estação, one of Evanilson’s early clubs, while also scouting for Fluminense. With this new guidance, Evanilson began to take his first real steps toward the career his father had always envisioned for him. At this time, not many would believe that this humble boy would capture the attention of the football world—a striker once valued at €80 million and coveted by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.

Family Background:

Evanilson carries a Portuguese name, with his actual surname, Barbosa, coming from his father’s side. He also bears his maternal family name, de Lima, a name that echoes the legendary Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, sparking a sense of pride and connection for football fans.

In Brazil, it’s common for footballers to rise from humble beginnings, and Evanilson is no exception. He grew up in a below-middle-class household, part of a less privileged section of Brazil’s broader middle class. Despite their modest means, his family’s strength lay in their close bond and resourcefulness. His parents worked tirelessly to provide, instilling in Evanilson the values of hard work and perseverance that shaped his journey to success.

As a child, saying goodbye was never easy for Evanilson. Every time he had to leave the people he called family to chase his football dreams, it felt like a piece of him stayed behind. The first of those painful goodbyes came when he was just 12 or 13 years old. But the hardest farewell was always to his mother, Madalena.

In 2017, tragedy struck. Evanilson lost his beloved mother—the woman he had promised to buy a house for once he became a professional. She passed away suddenly when he was only 17, just months away from turning his dream into reality and fulfilling that promise. It was a devastating blow, a loss that felt like his first major defeat in life, much like the heartbreak experienced by Adriano.

For a time, Evanilson’s world crumbled. Overwhelmed by grief, he stepped away from football and even considered giving it up entirely. But with the support of those around him and incredible inner strength, he found a way to keep going. Slowly, he rebuilt his path, turning his pain into purpose and honouring his mother with every step forward. Once upon a time, there were many heartfelt moments between a young Evanilson and his mother, Dona Madalena—two souls bound by love and unshakable connection. They always cherished cherishing their time together before death stole Madalena away.

Family Origin:

To truly understand Evanilson, you have to trace his roots back to Cajazeiras, a small town in the state of Paraíba, located in Brazil’s Northeast region. It’s a place that has also given rise to other notable figures like Hulk, Rúben Amorim (through his father Virgílio Amorim), Matheus Cunha, and Otavio, all of whom have family ties to Paraíba.

With a population of 62,289 as of 2020, Cajazeiras is a close-knit community, and Evanilson is undoubtedly its most celebrated footballer, shining a light on his hometown and making its name known to the world.

Ethnicity:

Evanilson’s ethnicity can be described as Afro-Brazilian. He shares physical features with many of Brazil’s black population, similar to other well-known footballers like Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho. His appearance reflects the rich African heritage that is a significant part of Brazil’s cultural and ethnic diversity.

Education:

Evanilson completed his early childhood education (Educação Infantil) while living with his parents in Cajazeiras. However, he didn’t finish Ensino Fundamental (primary and lower secondary school) because football had already taken over his life by then. This was around the time he first left home and his parents to pursue his dreams.

From the beginning, the path for Evanilson was clear—his education would be in the language of football. Like many Brazilian stars, such as Neymar and Gabriel Martinelli, he started with futsal, honing his skills at schools in Fortaleza. Eventually, he moved to the modest Estação António Bezerra Sports Association, a key stepping stone in his journey.

Evanilson Biography – Football Story:

At just 13 years old, Evanilson’s path toward becoming a professional footballer took a decisive turn when he was introduced to formal training by his first coach, José Neto Maia. At that time, Evanilson was just a young boy exploring his potential in sports at schools in Fortaleza. Neto, who balanced his coaching role at Estação António Bezerra with responsibilities at Fluminense, took Evanilson under his wing. More than just a coach, Neto became a mentor, providing guidance both on and off the field. His approachable and understanding nature made him a dependable figure for Evanilson, even as he transitioned into a professional career.

Their connection began two years earlier, when Evanilson was just 11 and still being coached by his father, Valdenir. Realizing that he was pushing his son too hard and lacking formal coaching qualifications, Valdenir entrusted José Neto to take over. This decision marked the start of a crucial chapter in Evanilson’s football development.

Valdenir played a pivotal role in shaping Evanilson’s path to becoming a professional footballer. As a proud and supportive father, he was always present—at training sessions, in the stands during games, and in his son’s life. Valdenir’s enthusiasm was contagious; he was the dad, cheering the loudest and analyzing every play. After matches, he would often call Evanilson aside with high expectations, saying:

“Baby boy, I want to see harder kicks! Boy, make more runs!”

On a personal level, Valdenir is known as a kind-hearted and deeply family-oriented man. However, his high expectations sometimes became overwhelming. Márcio Barros, another of Evanilson’s football mentors, once had to step in for a serious conversation with Valdenir, advising him to ease the pressure and give his son more room to grow.

Even so, Valdenir remained devoted, taking Evanilson to Estação for training and never straying far from his son’s side. His unwavering support, though intense at times, was rooted in his desire to see Evanilson succeed.

Road to Fame Story:

José Neto fondly recalls Evanilson as a shy but determined kid with an insatiable hunger for the ball. He was the kind of child who never missed a training session and would spend endless hours on the pitch. In fact, if his coaches didn’t eventually send him home, young Evanilson might have slept on the grass, so deep was his passion for the game.

Back then, he was a skinny, fast, and incredibly technical player. Even at a young age, it was clear that all the qualities needed to become a top-tier footballer were already there.

One of Evanilson’s proudest moments during his time at the Estação academy was scoring the decisive goal that clinched the under-13 state championship. That moment was a turning point—proof that nothing could hold him back from pursuing his dream of becoming a successful footballer.

His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon recommended to Fluminense. Bold and determined, Evanilson embraced the opportunity without fear, making the big move to Rio de Janeiro to chase his aspirations.

It was during Evanilson’s time at Fluminense that Márcio Barros entered his life, leaving a lasting impact. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Barros first spotted Evanilson while on a trip to Fortaleza. There, he saw the young talent playing for Estação, a local amateur club dedicated to training aspiring footballers. Impressed by what he saw, Barros began working with Evanilson from that moment on.

He not only nurtured Evanilson’s skills but also shielded him from his father’s overly demanding expectations. Márcio Barros became more than a mentor—he was a friend and guide who eventually brought Evanilson to Fluminense in 2013. It was here, in the youth setup, that Evanilson faced real competition and began shaping his path to professional football.

Losing his Mum:

Saying goodbye to home, and especially to his mother, was one of the hardest moments of Evanilson’s young life. Márcio Barros vividly recalls the emotional scene—Evanilson’s parents in tears, heartbroken at the thought of their son leaving home for the first time to join Fluminense. In an attempt to comfort them, Evanilson promised that when he started earning money from football, he would buy his mother a new house.

José Neto, another mentor, remembers how Evanilson’s family didn’t have much money, but they were rich in love. To cope with missing his mother, Evanilson would draw her every day, as if the act of sketching her could ease the ache of being apart. Tragically, in 2017, his mother passed away suddenly. The loss was devastating, and Evanilson’s world fell apart.

Overcome with grief, he considered abandoning football altogether. It took time, support, and immense inner strength for him to find his way back. Despite the pain, he managed to make his professional debut on January 17, 2018. It was a bittersweet moment—filled with pride but also the sorrow of knowing his mother wasn’t there to witness him fulfill the dream he had worked so hard for.

Rise to Fame Story:

We begin this section by telling you about his experience at Slokavia. Fluminense, Evanilson’s childhood club, had a partnership with Slovak side FC ŠTK 1914 Šamorín—a four-year agreement designed to give Brazil’s most promising young players a taste of European football. The program was a stepping stone for academy graduates, offering them valuable experience before making the leap to bigger European clubs.

In 2018, at just 18 years old, Evanilson made one of the biggest decisions of his life. He left behind his home, family, and friends in Brazil to move to Slovakia and pursue his career. It was a daunting step, and understandably, Evanilson felt a mix of fear and uncertainty when he arrived.

Adding to his struggles was the lingering grief over his mother’s passing. The loss of Dona Madalena continued to weigh heavily on him, leaving him sad and reflective. At one point, the emotional toll almost pushed him to walk away from football entirely. He took some time away from the game and leaned on those around him for support.

Despite the challenges, Evanilson found the strength to persevere. His time at FC ŠTK 1914 Šamorín became a turning point, helping him regain his focus and renew his passion for the sport.

Evanilson left the sunny warmth of Rio de Janeiro and stepped into the biting cold of Samorin, a Slovak city near the Austrian border. The temperature had dropped to just two or three degrees—a stark contrast to what he was used to.

During his first training session, he walked onto the pitch without gloves, completely unfazed by the freezing weather. His guardian and agent quickly called out to him, saying, “Evanilson, put on some gloves! It’s freezing out here!”

With a grin, Evanilson replied,

“No, sir, I’ve never worn gloves in my life. I don’t need them.”

It was a small but telling glimpse of his resilience and determination to adapt, even in unfamiliar conditions.

Evanilson’s move to Samorin came in January 2018, right in the heart of a harsh winter. The freezing conditions were unlike anything he had ever experienced. Just minutes into one of his early training sessions, he noticed his body turning pale and starting to shiver uncontrollably.

Eventually, the cold became too much, and he had to leave the pitch feeling unwell. Seeking relief, he would often retreat to the changing room, where he found solace under a scorching hot shower—his way of thawing out and battling the unfamiliar chill. It was a tough adjustment, but one that reflected his determination to endure and adapt.

Evanilson’s time in Samorin turned out to be a positive experience, despite his initial struggles to adapt. Settling into life in a foreign country was far from easy, and his guardian, Márcio Barros, who had accompanied him, stepped in to help him adjust. Barros even brought Evanilson to live with him, offering support and a sense of family in an unfamiliar place. Captured after a warm dinner in Slovakia, Evanilson shares a moment with his guardian, Márcio Barros, whose care and guidance helped him find stability in a new country far from home.

In their pursuit of success, they faced moments of crushing disappointment—times when results didn’t go as planned. They cried together often, but those tears were followed by hugs and words of encouragement. Barros would remind him, “Boy, this project at Samorin will be a defining moment in your career.”

Their bond and shared determination kept Evanilson focused, turning those challenges into stepping stones toward a brighter future.

In truth, both Evanilson and Márcio Barros initially feared the experience in Samorin might go poorly. But to their surprise, it turned out quite the opposite. Every step of Evanilson’s career was carefully mapped out. Along the way, they faced challenges, celebrated victories, and endured defeats.

During his time in Samorin, Evanilson began to shine—scoring a few key goals and making noticeable improvements in his physicality and tactical awareness. European scouts from major clubs started to take notice, but Evanilson chose a more measured approach.

Rather than rushing into a European move, he decided to return to Brazil, gain more playing time, and further refine his skills. For him, it was about timing—waiting for the right moment and the perfect opportunity to take the next big step in his career.

Post-Slovakia Rise:

When Evanilson returned to Fluminense, he quickly rejoined the squad and continued his rise to prominence. His standout performance as the top scorer of the Campeonato Brasileiro, netting 11 goals, solidified his reputation as one of the most promising strikers in the team’s history.

Interestingly, Evanilson didn’t just catch the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs through sheer luck. His impressive track record at Fluminense, which included scoring 87 goals—49 in just two seasons—made him impossible to overlook.

FC Porto Rise:

On September 7, 2020, Evanilson signed a five-year deal with Portuguese giants FC Porto in a transfer worth €8.8 million. One of the key reasons he chose Porto was his admiration for Mário Jardel, a local hero from his hometown, Fortaleza, and one of the greatest strikers in Porto’s history. For Evanilson, joining the blue-and-white club felt like a sign of destiny.

From the moment he arrived, the fans believed he would bring them joy. Evanilson made it his mission to prove to Porto’s board, coach Sérgio Conceição, and everyone watching that they had made the right choice in signing him.

At FC Porto, Evanilson transformed into a remarkable striker, known for his versatility and strength. He thrived in systems with two central strikers or as a lone forward, showcasing his ability to exploit spaces behind defensive lines with his impressive physicality and keen attacking instincts.

One of his standout performances came on October 25, 2023, when he netted his second career hat-trick during a 4–1 away win against Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Just a few months later, he repeated the feat with another hat-trick in a 4–0 away victory over Estoril in the round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal.

Evanilson’s consistent brilliance proved his value as a striker and set the stage for an exciting move to the Premier League. Before departing, he left a legacy at Porto, contributing to the club’s success with six trophies: the Primeira Liga (2021–22), three consecutive Taça de Portugal titles (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24), the Taça da Liga (2022–23), and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (2022).

AFC Bournemouth

After Andoni Iraola wrapped up a successful first season with Bournemouth, he gained the backing of the club’s owners to invest in top talent—and Evanilson topped his wishlist. Bournemouth battled fiercely against several other clubs to secure his signature, breaking their transfer record with a staggering £40.2 million deal. The Fortaleza native, Evanilson, was signed to step into the role previously held by Dominic Solanke, who had transferred to Tottenham Hotspur to join Ange Postecoglou’s team. The Cherries didn’t stop there; they made Evanilson their highest-paid player ever, offering him a weekly salary of £85,000.

One of his most memorable moments came when he scored the winning goal that secured Bournemouth’s first-ever victory over Manchester City in any competition, ending City’s incredible 32-game unbeaten streak in the league. From that point, “Bebé,” as he’s fondly called, cemented his legacy at the club. The rest of Evanilson’s journey with Bournemouth is, as they say, history.

Love Life:

Behind the success of the Brazilian football star is a remarkable woman named Mariana Abreu. She’s not just Evanilson’s wife but also his biggest supporter—someone who has put her own ambitions on hold to help him chase his football dreams. Interestingly, Mariana is older than Evanilson, with a difference of 8 years, 4 months, and 9 days between them. Born on May 27, 1991, she proudly defies the notion that age matters in love. After all, as the saying goes, age is just a number!

Here, Evanilson and his wife, Mariana Abreu, standing together in perfect harmony. Fans are often surprised to learn that Mariana is actually older than him, thanks to her youthful, baby-faced appearance. Indeed, age truly is just a number when love is timeless!

Did you know? Evanilson and Mariana Abreu have been together for over 9 years, having met in 2015, just two seasons after he joined the Fluminense academy. Their bond has only grown stronger through the years, especially after the loss of Evanilson’s mother, Dona Madalena. In his darkest moments, when he nearly gave up on everything, it was Mariana who helped lift his spirits. She stood by his side, offering emotional support when he needed it most, along with the love and strength of his family.

In January 2020, the couple made the most important “Yes” of their lives, just after Evanilson returned from his first experience in Europe, on loan at Slovakian club ŠTK 1914 Šamorín. Since then, each year has been a celebration of their love. Evanilson isn’t shy about expressing his deep affection for Mariana Abreu, often saying he loves her more than yesterday but less than tomorrow.

Evanilson and Mariana have truly embraced the joys of married life. Shortly after tying the knot, they were blessed with their first child, a beautiful daughter they named Maria Alice. You could see the pure joy on Evanilson’s face as he welcomed his precious little girl into the world, a moment that filled their hearts with love and happiness.

The arrival of Maria Alice brought a beautiful new chapter of love and togetherness to Evanilson and Mariana’s lives. She’s more than just their bundle of joy—Maria Alice is the heart of their family, inspiring her parents to be the best versions of themselves. With a devoted and hardworking father who shines both on and off the pitch, she’s truly lucky to grow up surrounded by so much love and ambition.

Personality:

When it comes to charm and attractiveness, many might focus on looks, but for Evanilson, it’s his role as a loving family man that truly stands out. A devoted father, he is deeply committed to building a close bond with his wife, Mariana, and their daughter, Maria Alice. Though his life has been shaped by both triumphs and setbacks, these experiences have only made him more focused, dedicated, and responsible. The people who give him strength more than anyone else are the two who hold his heart—his daughter and his wife. Here, Evanilson and Mariana are having fun this Halloween, with him channelling his inner Zorro in a fun and adventurous costume.

Who is Evanilson beyond the football pitch?

Even off the field, the Brazilian striker remains deeply connected to his creative side. Drawing has always been a cherished talent, one he developed in childhood and still enjoys today. It holds a special place in his heart as a way to feel close to his late mother. As he once shared, sketching his mother became his unique way of keeping her memory alive.

Now living in Portugal, Evanilson often visits Continente, a popular Portuguese retail chain, to pick up his art supplies. For him, painting is more than a pastime; it’s a comforting and enjoyable hobby that allows him to unwind. While football is his greatest passion, painting comes in as a close second—something he treasures and wouldn’t trade for anything.

Lifestyle:

Mariana Abreu and her husband, Evanilson, are a couple who truly value their time together, especially when it comes to taking holidays. Whether it’s a serene day on the water or soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, they always make time to unwind and explore. Evanilson, despite his busy life juggling football and his love for drawing, ensures that Mariana experiences some of the best seaside destinations Europe has to offer. For him, life isn’t just about scoring goals on the pitch—it’s also about creating memorable moments off it, sharing joy, and celebrating life with the love of his life.

Family Life:

For everyone, spending time with loved ones carries its own special meaning. For some, it’s all about blood ties, but for Evanilson, it goes deeper—it’s about affection and love that transcends DNA or family trees. He’s the kind of husband who treasures moments with both his own family and Mariana Abreu’s. Over time, her family has warmly embraced him as one of their own. A perfect example of this bond was on April 12, 2020, when the Abreu household joyfully welcomed Evanilson to join their Easter celebration—a true reflection of love and togetherness. Mariana Abreu’s family shares a striking resemblance—and an even stronger bond of love for Evanilson, who has seamlessly become one of their own.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Evanilson’s Biography, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Evanilson EA FC 24 Ratings:

Did you know? While defending is clearly not his forte, there are just three areas Evanilson still works to perfect in football: free kick accuracy, crossing, and interceptions. But when it comes to attacking, he’s well-rounded and excels in every aspect—whether it’s power, movement, skill, or mentality. His standout attributes, including his jumping ability, attacking passion, finishing, and quick reactions, remind us of strikers like Youssef En-Nesyri and Aleksandar Mitrović.

Salary:

Using reliable sources for player salaries, contracts, and club financials, we’ve gathered accurate figures on what A.F.C. Bournemouth players earn. As of the 2024/2025 season, Evanilson holds the title of the Cherries’ highest-paid player, earning an impressive £85,000 per week and £4,420,000 annually. Other top earners include Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick Kluivert, at £80,000 per week, Kepa Arrizabalaga at £75,000, Ryan Christie at £70,000, Luis Sinisterra at £65,000, and both Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook at £60,000. Antoine Semenyo rounds out the list at £50,000 weekly.

Evanilson Religion:

Evanilson is a Roman Catholic, a faith shared by a significant portion of Brazil’s population. Brazil has the highest number of Catholics globally, with around 64-68% of its population identifying as Roman Catholic as of recent surveys. This deep Catholic heritage has been a defining aspect of Brazilian culture, stemming from the country’s historical ties to Portugal, where Catholicism was deeply entrenched. However, the percentage has been gradually decreasing over the years due to the rise of Protestantism and other religious movements.​

End Note:

Evanilson’s journey is quite similar to that of Igor Jesus, one that has to do with lots of resilience and determination. Born into a humble family, he faced profound challenges, including the devastating loss of his mother, Madalena, in 2017. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and her passing almost made him walk away from football entirely. However, the unwavering support from his girlfriend-turned-wife, Mariana, and the Fluminense family gave him the strength to persevere.

From his early days as a winger to his transformation into a prolific striker, Evanilson’s story is one of grit and grace. His father’s role was pivotal, nurturing his talent and passion for the game. Although he couldn’t fulfil his dream of buying his mother a house, Evanilson honours her memory through his success and humility. Today, he, whom Bournemouth fans see as the perfect Solanke replacement, stands tall as a beacon of hope, proving that with love, support, and determination, even the most challenging setbacks can be overcome.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to explore Evanilson’s story—a footballer whose journey reflects resilience, passion, and immense potential. We prioritize accuracy and fairness in sharing narratives about Brazilian talents, as we’ve done with rising stars like Estêvão Willian and Vitor Roque. If you notice anything that seems inaccurate in this article about the versatile forward, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. We’d also love to hear your opinions about Evanilson’s journey, his touching life story, and your expectations for his career.