Richarlison’s journey from humble beginnings in Nova Venécia embodies the essence of resilience and determination, propelling him to become a rising star in football. Beyond his prowess on the field, he exhibits a compassionate side, donating 10% of his earnings to Instituto Padre Roberto Lettieri, a home for cancer patients in São Paulo. Moreover, his childhood experiences of hunger drive him to support 100 families in his hometown today.
Known for his emotional depth, Richarlison’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After Brazil’s exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he notably scored a memorable goal against Serbia, he battled depression. Struggling to accept Brazil’s defeat to Croatia, he contemplated quitting football but sought counselling to cope with his mental health. Recovering from this difficult period, Richarlison now advocates for mental health awareness among athletes.
This article delves into Richarlison’s inspiring story, shedding light on his philanthropy, personal struggles, and unwavering passion for the game.
Resilience of Richarlison: From Childhood Hardship to Football Stardom
This biography offers rare glimpses into Richarlison’s early life, exploring his childhood experiences, personal challenges, and the steadfast support of his family that fueled his journey to global recognition. Join us as we peel back the layers beyond the headlines, uncovering a tale of ambition, resilience, and remarkable achievement, showcasing not just a footballer but a young man whose dreams transcend the ordinary.
Richarlison’s Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For his Biography starters, Richarlison de Andrade was born on the 10th day of May 1997 in Nova Venécia, Espírito Santo, Brazil. He was born a Taurus by his parents, Mr and Mrs Andrade.
Richarlison, the eldest of five children, was born into poverty to a father who worked as a stonemason and a mother who juggled cleaning and selling ice cream. Today, their circumstances have transformed, largely due to the success of their son.
Young Richarlison, in his childhood.
Richarlison’s parents provided him with a strong moral upbringing that shaped his values from a young age. While his peers turned to selling drugs for quick money, Richarlison chose a different path. He sold chocolate, ice cream, and washed cars, knowing these were honest ways to earn money and support his mother. Despite temptations from friends to join in more lucrative but illegal activities, Richarlison remained steadfast in his principles, preferring the simple joys of life over the allure of easy money.
In his words…
“Most of my friends chose to sell drugs on the streets because they saw it as an easy way to make a lot of money.
But I knew it was wrong, so I decided to sell chocolate, ice cream, and wash cars because I knew that was the right thing to do.
This way, I could also help my mother. My friends would often try to persuade me, saying, “Come on, don’t be a coward, come smoke with us, come sell with us, you can make much more money.”.
Richarlison never opted for a life of crime. He found satisfaction in life’s simple pleasures, even though he wasn’t the most successful ice cream salesman in the world.
Richarlison Biography – Early Life in Football:
Young Richarlison spent his childhood in Nova Venécia, a town located in the southeastern state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Known more for its beaches and industrial sectors like steel and petroleum production than for football, it was an unlikely place for a future football star to emerge.
Richarlison’s Early Years as a Footballer.
Speaking exclusively to the Sun about his life in Brazil, Richarlison said:
“When I was seven years old, my dad bought me ten balls, not because he could afford it, but because he believed in my potential as a footballer.
Most of the time, my friends and I played in the street, using our sandals to make goals. It felt like living in a favela, in a humble and economically disadvantaged area.”
Also, from an early age, Richarlison had a big ambition to play in the Premier League. He once said:
“I used to spend hours watching the Premier League on my uncle’s TV. I fell in love with what I saw—the speed of the game and how it never stopped.”
Richarlison, at that time, would always speak his mind, saying, “I’m going to play there one day.”
Richarlison Biography – The Survivor:
Richarlison has endured a remarkable journey to make it where he is today. When he was 14 years old, carefree and playing football in the streets of Nova Venecia, in southeast Brazil, the unfortunate happened.
A gangster and drug lord once pointed and pressed up the muzzle of his gun against the forehead of Richarlison.
This was followed by him issuing all manner of threats for encroaching (playing football) on his drug-dealing territory.
As Richarlison puts it,
“At that moment, I was very afraid. Because if he had pulled the trigger, then it would have been over.
The drug lord told us that if he found us again, he would shoot us without any problem — me and my friends. I think they confused me with someone else.
He thought I was stealing his drugs and using football as a form of disguise, but I was just playing football, together with my friends.
After he lowered his gun, I turned away and started to run. I never went back to that street. And didn’t say anything to him. I was very afraid.”
Richarlison Untold Biography – When He Met a Godsend:
A miracle happened when Richarlison was 16.
The tricky winger’s life changed when he met businessman Renato Velasco, who saw his potential while playing in the youth team at local club Real Noroeste.
In the words of Richarliso,
“Renato was the first one that gave me an opportunity. In the first week, he gave me a pair of football boots because before that, I had been playing with odd ones.”
After helping out with football boots, Renato Velasco told Richarlison, I’m going to help you because you have quality.
Renato talked about that quality and took Richarlison to America Mineiro in Brazil’s second tier in December 2014 and to Fluminense (Brazil’s top tier) a year later. This club later had the likes of João Pedro.
Richarlison Biography – The Miracle at Last:
In August, a phone call from new Watford boss Marco Silva persuaded Richarlison to snub Ajax at the 11th hour and join the Hornets instead.
Behold the moment Richarlison arrived in England.
In fact, Watford signed the 20-year-old was signed from under the nose of AFC Ajax. Shockingly, he got a UK work permit despite having not played for the Brazil national team.
It is difficult for someone who hasn’t played on the Brazilian first team to have a work permit. Richarlison’s case was different.
Richarlison told ESPN Brasil. “After Marco called me, I did some google research on Watford and we reached an agreement in no time.”
It is pertinent to note that Renato Velasco is now Richarlison’s manager.
The Helping Hand:
It was Willian who helped Richarlison settle down in England.
Richardson sees Willian as his mentor. Both had been well acquainted with one another in Brazil before fate brought them to London, where their clubs (Chelsea and Watford) is situated.
Richarlison is also close to Neymar, who he sees as his role model. During holidays, he takes out time to visit him in Paris.
Becoming The Next Big Thing:
Without a doubt, Richarlison is the next big thing in world football.
The winger has been the heart and soul of the Hornet’s great start to their 2017/2018 campaign, scoring three goals in the league and wowing fans with his skill, speed and technique.
But thinking back, four years ago from writing, the youngster’s life was very, very different. He himself is never surprised because he knows and has never for once doubted his abilities.
He once said… “I am not surprised because everything in my life has changed so fast. From the day I started to play for America, then Fluminense, now in the Premier League — everything has come at the right time.”
Overseas talents – particularly ones so young – usually need time to adapt to English football but Richarlison already looks right at home, even though he is still getting to grips with the language.
Plans for Watford & Brazil:
Richarlison has big plans for Watford. In his words…
“My plan is to write history here at Watford. I want to score a lot of goals and be remembered by the crowd.
Also, I expect to be called one day by the Brazilian national team, which is my No. 1 goal in my life. To be in a World Cup is my dream.”
Toughest EPL Opponent:
Richarlison has not taken long to adjust to English football but singles out John Stones, AKA “Soft Touch”, as the toughest opponent he has come across so far.
Richarlison Zodiac Traits:
The Brazilian star’s zodiac is Taurus and has the following attributes to his personality;
Richarlison’s Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible, and stable.
Richarlison’s Weakness: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising.
What Richarlison Likes: Gardening, cooking, music, romance, high-quality clothes, working with hands.
What Richarlison Dislikes: Sudden changes, career complications as seen when Antonio Conte ranted at him for two hours in a Spurs meeting. Finally, insecurity of any kind.
Fact Check:
Thank you for taking the time to read our biography on Richarlison. Our aim is to provide accurate and impartial coverage of the history of Brazilian football players.
We’re also excited to recommend the biographies of up-and-coming stars Vitor Roque and Andrey Santos for your reading pleasure. If you notice any inaccuracies or have feedback on this article on Richarlison, please feel free to place a comment below or contact us directly via our contact page. Your input is valuable in ensuring we maintain the highest writing standards of fairness in our football writing.
