This former Real Madrid player wants to become a psychologist

A winner everywhere he went, Danilo has built a career rich in trophies. But beyond football, another passion is emerging: psychology. After 13 years in Europe, the Brazilian defender for Juventus is considering transitioning to the study of the mind, a field that has intrigued him throughout his journey.

Trained in Brazil, revealed at FC Porto, and having stints at Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Juventus, he has worked with some of the greatest coaches. Among them, Pep Guardiola, whom he considers an absolute reference:

I underwent a brainwashing by Guardiola, but in a good way... It's not that I was an idiot before arriving at Manchester City, but I realized I was playing football in a completely wrong way... I'm so happy I was able to play under him.

But success also has its downsides. Danilo was a victim of online harassment, forcing him to delete his social media accounts several times. He also admits to succumbing to social pressure, making impulsive decisions like buying a car he never used:

When I played for Porto, I went back to Brazil and bought a Chevrolet Camaro for 500,000 Brazilian reals (about 68,000 dollars). And now, that car is parked in Bicas (Danilo's hometown). Why would I need a Camaro in Bicas? But there's this social pressure: when you're a footballer, you need to have a nice car, all that. Today, when I look back at myself ten years ago, I say: Seriously? You're joking.

In 2020, he launched "Voz Futura", a project dedicated to mental health. His goal: to break the silence and encourage dialogue on a topic often taboo in the world of football:

The idea was born during the pandemic, a time when I was heavily influenced by traditional media. There was so much bad news; it was a difficult period for everyone. I was in Italy, a country hard hit. Meanwhile, Brazilians didn't understand the gravity of the situation. Every day, I checked the main news sites, as always, and was overwhelmed by negative emotions. I didn't know exactly what I wanted, but I knew it had to be something important, something different from traditional media. There are so many people with incredible life stories. They should inspire and motivate us.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr