Original article from France Football, published in February 2025.

Your story begins in Restinga, a favela in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, where you grew up. What memories do you have of your childhood?

Man, growing up in a favela is always tough. People face financial hardship and have few opportunities to escape their situation. At the same time, it's incredibly rewarding when you succeed, as I did. I'm proud to write a beautiful story, knowing where I came from. I became who I am today because of everything I experienced within my community. It helped me grow both personally and professionally. From my childhood in Restinga, what stood out most were the pickup games with my friends and cousins, and spending time with my grandparents and the whole family on Sundays.

In the favela, some end up getting involved with drugs…

The two main ways out of that reality are football and music, although there are exceptions, of course. Some manage to become lawyers, teachers, or doctors, but that's rarer. So, some people look for quicker ways to make money, and that, unfortunately, leads to wrong choices, like drug trafficking. It's a reality in Brazil, and I think it exists somewhat worldwide. But for those who work hard, it's possible to succeed, no matter where you come from.

You were quite resourceful, from what they say. Especially when it came to catching buses…

It's true, and one of the friends I used to hang out with back then is actually here with me today. (He points to one of his childhood friends who accompanies him daily in Barcelona.) We had a bus pass that we shared among ourselves. We'd give some money to whoever had the pass and use what was left to buy food after training. Sometimes we had neither a pass nor money, so we'd try to convince the driver to let us on for free. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. After training, it also happened that we'd ask people on the street for money to buy a snack and go home with something in our stomachs.

“The real pressure, for me, is when you leave home at 6 AM, return at 8 PM, and don't know if there will be food on the table for your children.”

Back then, you participated in “torneios de várzea,” intense local football competitions… How did those games shape the player you became?

In the “torneios de várzea,” players often threaten opponents to try and destabilize them, regardless of age. What matters is winning at all costs. You have to experience it to truly understand.

Did these tournaments teach you to handle pressure?

The real pressure, for me, is when you leave home at 6 AM, return at 8 PM, and don't know if there will be food on the table for your children. As a football player, of course, we go through difficult moments, but you have to approach it lightly. Our role is to play football and bring joy to people. You can't see that as pressure. Still, I recognize that the “torneios de várzea” helped me adapt faster to the professional world and its demands.

Did playing frequently on improvised pitches help you refine your technique?

Many of the world's best players come from communities, but I see it more as a gift we have from birth. To succeed in football, you need hard work, good physical condition, dedication, but technical quality, in my opinion, is something natural. It's a gift you receive, and it's up to each person to make the most of it.

As a child, you had an unexpected encounter. Can you tell us more?

I was invited to a party at Ronaldinho's house because my father knew his family a bit. I don't remember exactly if it was his sister's birthday or a party before he went back to Europe. I took a photo with him that I still keep today, which helps me believe it actually happened! Because, honestly, my memories are a bit vague, I was very young… At the time, I had no idea what he represented. I only understood that later, when I grew up.

Despite your talent, your trials at Grêmio and Internacional didn't work out. What reasons were given for you not being selected?

They said the squad was already complete, that there was no more room to register other players. They also said I was too short and too thin, that I wouldn't be able to handle the intensity of the games and training. But all of that motivated me. I wanted to prove my worth, to show that I was capable of becoming a professional. In football, size means nothing. Look at Lionel Messi, who for me is the best player in the world. What matters is talent and hard work. I knew what I wanted and I fought for it.

“Today, if I enjoy scoring goals so much, it's partly thanks to Thierry Henry.”

Your former Leeds teammate, Adam Forshaw, once described you as a “street player with anger.” What do you think of that?

I think it suits me quite well. I don't like to lose, no matter the game. Whether it's football, chess, video games, or even a challenge among friends, losing bothers me a lot. It's part of who I am. In football, it's the same. I'm very competitive, and sometimes, when I lose, I can explode. It's a characteristic that comes from my origins. Even though I control myself a bit better now, I still have that hatred of losing.

They say you greatly admired Thierry Henry, back when he was scoring goal after goal for Arsenal. How did he inspire you?

When I was a kid, I liked watching the Premier League, and Arsenal's games were often shown in Brazil. It was Henry's best period, and I also followed what he did for the French national team. I clearly remember the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals when France eliminated Brazil with a goal from him (1-0)… Despite that painful memory, I admired his style and that constant desire to score goals. He was a great inspiration to me. Today, if I enjoy scoring goals so much, it's partly thanks to him.

Before reaching the highest level, you played several years in Portugal. What memories do you have of that period?

I always say that, after Brazil, Portugal is my second home. It was the most important stage of my career, the one that allowed me to adapt to European football. Portugal has many similarities with Brazil: the language, the culture, the food… Of course, it took me some time to adapt to the style of play, but understanding the language and knowing a similar culture made things much easier. My teammates also helped me a lot. I am very grateful to Vitória [Guimarães] and Sporting [CP]. This country will always have a special place in my heart.

In 2019, you moved to Rennes. What do you remember about your time in Ligue 1?

I was starting my second season at Sporting when the club told me about Rennes' interest. What convinced me was the club's ambition, the project they had for me, and the sincerity I felt from the president (Olivier Létang, at the time). I don't regret the decision at all, even though I only stayed for a year. For me, it's a great club, with spectacular facilities. That season, we secured direct qualification for the Champions League group stage. The COVID crisis helped a bit (the season was interrupted in March 2020 and the table frozen), but we had a great campaign, also reaching the French Cup semi-final (elimination 1-2 against Saint-Étienne). As in Portugal, everyone I met in France tried their best to help me adapt, even though I didn't master the language, which made it a bit difficult. I am very grateful to have worn that shirt and to have helped the club play in the Champions League for the first time in its history. Rennes is special to me; I still follow the team.

Today, what does France represent to you?

I remember it was very cold, that's unforgettable (laughs). I really enjoyed going to Mont-Saint-Michel. Whenever I had a free day, I tried to go there. I also had the chance to visit Paris for the first time. And I tried some typical French dishes. Some I liked a lot, others not so much… But I really enjoyed discovering a different cuisine!

Your career so far has been very progressive, moving first through Portugal, then France, before reaching the Premier League and, finally, Barça… Was it important for you not to skip steps?

Every stage of my career was essential, both professionally and personally, for me to get where I am today. Everything I experienced was necessary to prepare me for the next stage. Every place I've been and every decision I've made corresponded to what I needed at that moment. Going from Brazil to Portugal allowed me to focus on football without worrying so much about the language or culture. Then, going to France was a new phase, where the main challenge was the language. French football also prepared me for the Premier League. It was a dream to play in that league, and when I arrived there (at Leeds), I was ready both mentally and physically thanks to my time in France.

“Many Brazilians have helped write this club's history: Ronaldinho, Romário, Rivaldo, Neymar… Now it's my turn to follow that path and write my own history in this shirt.”

In 2022, you signed with Barça. How did you feel the first time you wore that shirt?

I always dreamed of wearing the Barça shirt. It was a distant dream, but I knew that with hard work and determination, I could get there. Every step I took was important to realize that dream. Many Brazilians have helped write this club's history: Ronaldinho, Romário, Rivaldo, Neymar… Now it's my turn to follow that path and write my own history in this shirt. I am convinced that I can do it.

In your first two seasons in Catalonia, it seemed like you hadn't yet shown your full potential… Do you agree with that assessment?

In the first season, I had some difficulties adapting to the team's playing style and truly understanding the club's greatness. Of course, I knew it was a big club, but it's only when you're inside that you realize how massive it is. Adapting to a new working method was normal, even inevitable. It was a necessary process, and even so, I think I did a good job and performed well, something people tend to forget. In the second season, my numbers were good (12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Barça), especially considering I had several injuries (two muscle injuries, totaling about two months out), which affected me. Collectively, we ended the season without titles, which makes it harder. Individually, perhaps it wasn't what was expected of me, but whenever I was on the field, I gave my best.

Last summer, there was a lot of talk about a possible departure, especially to Saudi Arabia. Did you consider leaving Barça?

In the last four transfer windows, I've been linked to I don't know how many different destinations… But I always remained focused on Barça. Besides, I have a contract that I intend to fulfill (until June 2027). Speculations come and go. What matters to me is the trust that the people within the club have in me. If those who work with you daily are satisfied, that's the main thing. I knew my worth, what I could offer, and I don't regret staying at all.

You're in great form this season, with more goals in six months (23 until February 3rd) than your total for your first two seasons in Catalonia (20). What did you change to reach this level?

Confidence is fundamental to doing your job well, not just in football, but in any field. Even with rumors of a departure last season, Xavi always said he was counting on me. He was decisive in my arrival at Barça. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be wearing this shirt. I can only thank him. I was sure that, with hard work, I would eventually become an important player for the team. Then, when Hansi Flick's arrival was made official, he called me and said that I was among the players he wanted to count on, without even knowing me or having seen me train. That weighed heavily on my decision to stay. I knew I would be an important player for the team. Flick gave me the peace of mind to work and reach my best level.

“With Robert [Lewandowski] and Lamine [Yamal], each of us has different qualities, and when we mix it all together, it works well!”

So the main “click” was more mental?

To be at the top level, you need to be mentally strong. Anyone who works in a demanding field, physically and mentally, needs to seek support if necessary, and that's what I did. It was very important for me to work on this aspect, at a time when I was going through difficulties and starting to give up a bit. This mental work helped me a lot to regain the calm and confidence needed to do things well.

You were chosen as one of Barça's captains this season. Did that also boost your confidence?

Being a captain isn't just about wearing the armband; it's also about having a certain demeanor in the locker room. A captain needs to fight, in a good way: for the club, for the shirt they wear, for their teammates. They need to strive for excellence, help the younger and more experienced players, and also learn from them. Everywhere I've been, I've always tried to make everyone feel good within the group. I do my best to welcome new players, whether they're from the academy or from outside.

With Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, you form a very strong attacking trio. How would you describe this chemistry?

We started playing together around the same time (during the 2022-2023 season). We know each other well. It's been almost two years that we've been working together every day. We know how to position ourselves in relation to each other, how the other will move, how they like to receive the ball... These are details that help the team win. Not to mention that they are top-level players, with exceptional talent, which makes everything much easier. Each of us has different qualities, and when we mix it all together, it works well!

Lamine Yamal's rise has made you play more on the left, and that has been positive for you...

It all still comes down to confidence: mine and the coach's, who understood that I could give my best regardless of my position on the field. The fact that he accepted that I could help the team in another role also contributed to my good performance. Today, I know I can play both on the left and on the right; I'm more versatile and, therefore, more useful to the team.

On Real Madrid's side, your two national team friends, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, also form a strong trio with Kylian Mbappé. What's your opinion on that partnership?

For me, it's not just a trio, but a spectacular quartet with Jude Bellingham. All four are among the best players in the world, due to their individual characteristics and what they deliver both at the club and for the national team. The rivalry we have with them is spectacular. This gives more visibility to La Liga and Spanish clubs, so it's a positive thing.

“Football is unpredictable. In La Liga, we're going to try to fight for the title until the end.”

This season, you've beaten them convincingly twice, 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final, but they are ahead in the league (with a 4-point advantage). How do you envision the outcome of the season?

With us as champions! (He smiles.) Football is unpredictable; a lot can happen until May. We played great games this season, especially in the Champions League. In La Liga, it was a bit less the case. We're going to try to fight for the title until the end.

Despite the talent of the Brazilian national team, you won't necessarily be favorites for the next World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico... What does the Seleção need to return to the top?

The elimination in 2022 (in the quarter-finals against Croatia, 1-1, 2-4 on penalties) was a real shock for me. It took me more than two months to deal with the disappointment. All teams go through a renewal process, with new, young players. I think it's natural that, at some point, the national team goes through a rough patch. It won't be the first, nor the last. But I'm sure we'll be very well prepared for the next World Cup and we'll fight.

Deco, your sporting director, recently stated that you are “one of the best players in the world currently.” Do you think you've reached your limit or do you still have room to grow?

I like to always challenge myself. This season, I'm trying to be better than the last, and next season I'll aim to go up another level. That's how I see things. That's how I've built my entire career, and I'll continue that way.

Last year, you weren't among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or...

I had individual difficulties last year, with several muscle injuries and a suspension (two La Liga games). I didn't play consistently, less than this season. That ultimately influenced the jury's decision. This year, I've already surpassed my numbers from last season, and I'm going to do everything to achieve the goals I set at the beginning of the season.

Behind the Scenes of the Interview
Location: his home in Barcelona, in the upscale Pedralbes neighborhood.
Duration: an hour and a half, including photos.
Drinks consumed: tea for him, coffee for us.
Language used: Portuguese.
Other people present: several childhood friends, his wife, as well as his two dogs, a Saint Bernard and a Golden Retriever.
The question we forgot to ask: "Who is better right now between you and Lamine Yamal?"
The title he would have chosen: "You always have to strive to outdo yourself."
His verbal tic: "Man."
The next three interviews he would like to read in France Football: "My friends Neymar, Lamine Yamal (FF September 2024) and Vinícius Júnior (FF October 2023). 

Do you consider yourself a serious candidate for the Ballon d’Or this year?

I can only say that I will continue to fight to be among the best players in the world. Knowing where I came from and everything I've experienced in my career, just being in contention for the Ballon d’Or would be a huge victory. My goal is to surpass myself day by day, season after season. If, one day, I'm on the list or awarded, it will be an immense personal victory.

You have many tattoos dedicated to your family, your neighborhood, the titles you've won... What will be the next one?

 (He thinks.) The Champions League trophy!