Brazil's top scorer in the opening match of the Qatar World Cup, scoring both goals in the game against Serbia, Richarlison de Andrade, 25, left the country five years ago, when he was a standout for Fluminense, heading to England, where his career grew gradually.
Born in Nova Venécia (Espirito Santo), Richarlison began to gain visibility in Real Noroeste, in the city of Águia Branca, at the age of 16. He caught the attention of América-MG, who signed him in 2014. In 2016, he was playing in Rio de Janeiro for Fluminense.
The player is also known for his political positioning, with a more left-wing orientation, and social engagement. In an interview in 2020, when he was playing for the Brazilian national team, he stated that "whenever there is an important cause, I will always show my face, even more so playing for the Brazilian national team and in England. I know I have this visibility and that authorities will see it with good eyes."
Richarlison is nicknamed Pombo ( the pigeon) because in 2018, playing with friends, he choreographed the song "Dança do Pombo" ( Pigeon dance), by MC Faísca e Perseguidores. He was not bothered by the nickname and even perpetuated it, celebrating goals by moving his chest in order to mimic the movement of a bird's chest, to the delight of the kids.
Translated by Cassy Dias