On ESPN’s “Bola da Vez” this Saturday, Danilo shared how therapy profoundly impacted his life, drawing parallels with fellow athlete Cássio’s experiences. Facing immense pressure as Real Madrid’s priciest defender, Danilo admitted struggling with the mental demands of his role. “It was a huge challenge dealing with the expectations at Real Madrid,” Danilo stated.
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Mental health stigma
Highlighting the stigma still attached to mental health in football, Danilo referred to Cássio, Corinthians’ goalkeeper, whose own mental health journey began after a series of on-field errors and fan criticism led to his benching.
“Hearing Cássio talk about his psychological struggles was a wake-up call,” Danilo revealed. He emphasized the benefits of working with a sports psychologist, which not only improved his game but enhanced his life overall. “Since starting therapy, my performance has improved significantly, making me feel mentally stronger,” he explained.
This candid admission from both players proves the growing awareness and acceptance of mental health care in professional sports.
👍🔝
Danilo, Man of the Match in our win against @FCBayernEN.
👉 https://t.co/nj9Hqdaxab#RMTour #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/wKYifSiR0l
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 4, 2016
Danilo’s time at Madrid
Danilo’s tenure at Real Madrid, spanning from 2015 to 2017, was a period marked by both challenge and growth for the Brazilian right-back. Here’s an overview of his time at the club, highlighting key aspects of his career during those years:
Transfer and Expectations
- Transfer Fee: Danilo was transferred to Real Madrid from FC Porto in the summer of 2015 for a reported fee of €31.5 million, making him one of the most expensive defenders in the club’s history at the time.
- Expectations: Upon his arrival, Danilo was expected to strengthen Real Madrid’s right flank, competing with Dani Carvajal for the starting position.
Performance and Challenges
- Debut Season: Danilo made his debut in August 2015 and participated in various competitions including La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Copa del Rey.
- Mixed Reviews: His performances were mixed, with some standout moments overshadowed by periods of inconsistency. Defensive lapses and difficulty in adapting to the team’s style led to criticism from both fans and media.
Key Achievements
- Titles Won
- UEFA Champions League (2015–2016, 2016–2017)
- UEFA Super Cup (2016)
- FIFA Club World Cup (2016)
- La Liga Title (2016–2017)
In the summer of 2017, Danilo transferred to Manchester City for a fee of around €30 million, seeking new challenges and more consistent playing time under manager Pep Guardiola. He currently plays for Juventus FC, transferred on August 7, 2019.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the first four episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
