Brazil forward Richarlison has opened up about battling depression following his country’s quarter-final defeat against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, confessing he contemplated quitting football altogether.
In a candid revelation, Richarlison, currently playing for Tottenham, disclosed his decision to seek psychological support after being captured in tears on the bench during Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Despite his 48 international caps, the 26-year-old emphasized the importance of players prioritizing their mental health and encouraged others to seek assistance when needed.
“I’d just played in a World Cup, at my peak,” Richarlison told. “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 in 2022, Richarlison has found his stride, netting 11 goals in 26 appearances this season. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted,
“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. 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.”
He said going to therapy was the best decision he has made.
“I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life,” Richarlison added. “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.”