Brazil forward Richarlison, who is 26 years old, has revealed that he struggled with depression following the 2022 World Cup. Despite being the leading scorer for Brazil in the tournament, scoring three goals in four appearances before their elimination by Croatia in the quarter-finals, Richarlison found it difficult to motivate himself and even considered giving up.
In an emotional conversation with ESPN Brasil, Richarlison confided in his father about his struggles and sought therapy to help him cope. He described the emotional toll of the World Cup exit as feeling “worse than losing a family member.” In addition to dealing with depression, Richarlison also spoke about the pressure and expectations that came with wearing Brazil’s famous No. 9 shirt and being their primary goal scorer.
Richarlison had previously mentioned in September that he was dealing with off-the-field issues and would be seeking psychological help. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and spoke about the positive impact therapy had on his mental well-being. The footballer encouraged others in the sport to be open to seeking help if they felt they needed it, acknowledging that therapy had been life-saving for him.
Reflecting on his initial reluctance to seek therapy, Richarlison admitted that he had prejudices and misconceptions about mental health support. However, he now sees the importance and benefits of therapy, calling it the best discovery he has ever made in his life. Richarlison’s candid discussion about his struggles with depression and the positive impact of therapy has sparked conversations about mental health in the football community.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison shared how he struggled with depression following Brazil’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup. Despite being their top scorer during this tournament, Richarlisson found it challenging to stay motivated after their defeat by Croatia in the quarter-finals. In an emotional conversation with ESPN Brasil, Richarlinson spoke openly about how he confided in his father about his struggles and sought therapy to help him cope.
He also highlighted how important it is for athletes to seek help if they are struggling mentally or emotionally, encouraging others to do so as well. Through his honesty and vulnerability, Richarlinson has brought attention to mental health issues within professional sports circles.
Overall, Richardson’s story highlights how even successful athletes can struggle with mental health issues such as depression despite having a supportive network around them. It serves as a reminder that no one is immune from these struggles and encourages people from all walks of life to seek help if needed.
