Brazilian forward Richarlison de Andrade struggled with depression following his national team’s quarter-final defeat to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, contemplating leaving football altogether. Representing Tottenham Hotspur, he revealed in September his decision to seek psychological support after being photographed in tears on the bench during Brazil’s dominant 5-1 victory over Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. With 48 appearances for Brazil, the 26-year-old encourages fellow players to prioritize their mental well-being and seek assistance when needed.
“I’d just played in a World Cup, at my peak,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil. “I was reaching my limit, you know? I don’t know, I’m not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up.
“Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup, it seemed like it all fell apart.”
Following a challenging start at Spurs, where he transferred from Everton for a reported fee of £60 million ($75.68 million) in 2022, Richarlison has managed to find his footing, netting 11 goals in 26 appearances this season.
“Before I went to training, I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my room because I don’t know what was going through my head,” he said. “I even went and told my dad I was going to give up.
“It’s kind of sad to talk like that. What I went through after the World Cup… To go to my father, who was the guy who chased my dream with me, and say, ‘Dad, I want to give up’, is crazy.”
Richarlison expressed that opting for therapy has been the most beneficial decision he has ever made. He stated “I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish … If you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person”
Both Everton and Tottenham demonstrated their solidarity with Richarlison following the interview.
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