Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Madruga, 23, is living one of the best moments of his life. He is a candidate for the Puskás award and has been highly regarded as one of the favorites.
Even though a player only needs to score a different goal once, Madruga did it twice: a bicycle kick, which earned him the nomination, and another one from the middle of the field.
“(I like) Being able to say that I did something that Pelé didn’t do (laughs)”, he revealed in a long chat with Sambafoot.
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Madruga, I wanted you to explain to me your relationship with football. I saw that your father was successful in amateur football and that you wanted to play handball. How was that?
Ever since I was born, I’ve loved football. My father passed that on to me and my brother, giving us gifts, taking us to the field when he played, team jerseys, and so on. As for handball, there was more investment in sports in my city, in the interior of Mato Grosso do Sul, and that’s why it was a craze, which me and my childhood friends practiced, competed in tournaments, traveled, and had a lot of fun. However, I liked it because of that, being with my friends. But at the age of 13, I had to choose between one or the other, and in the end, I ended up choosing football. I believe it was the right choice.
Did your brother also play? What is your relationship like?
Since we were little, we played football, he and I against my father in the goal, at school, he was the star, and I was always the hard worker (laughs). I left home first in pursuit of the dream of being a player, and shortly after, he also tried, but due to a hip injury that limited him, he decided to pursue another path. Our relationship is very good; he is very happy for my achievements, and I am happy for his.
Because of the pandemic, you didn’t stay at Shandong Luneng, right? Can you talk a little more about that period, the training, and so on?
I went on an exchange because they were interested; I had a very good year with Desportivo Brasil, where I played several games in the U-20 and also in the professional team. In China, I trained with the B team and also with the main squad, which had Roger Guedes, Moisés, Fellaini, and some others. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but it was a very good experience.
How was the pandemic for you? I imagine that as a player seeking space, it must have been even more difficult.
It made me think a lot because I was at an age of transition to the professional level where the market becomes narrower, and at Desportivo, there were several examples that didn’t work out. But I trained a lot during the pandemic and came back prepared to perform at a high level.
You had a magical season in 2023. What can you say about that?
It was a very special year for me, not only because of the goals but it was the season with the highest number of games in my career. I competed in my first national championships and lived up to it. My goal was only to be bought by Botafogo, and it turned out better than I planned.
Well, about the great goals, I just wanted to know what you were thinking at the time of the plays. Was it intuitive? Both the bicycle kick and the one from midfield are very beautiful.
It was intentional; the bicycle kick is more difficult because I’m not seeing the goalkeeper; I needed exact precision and I was fortunate. The one from midfield, I control it, look up making the decision in milliseconds and hit it low without any chance for the goalkeeper. They were special days; I hope it happens again.
The bicycle kick, in particular, I wanted to understand better because it’s really not very common in that situation. It reminded me of a goal by Ibrahimovic.
I was in the middle of three markers; it was the resource I had. If I controlled it, there was a great chance of losing the ball; I was fortunate to make this rare decision (laughs).
Did you expect that this would earn you a nomination for the Puskás Award?
I never dreamed of competing for the Puskás Award because of playing as a midfielder, playing further from the goal. I dream of being at the FIFA event as the best in my position. But I was very happy to be nominated and am taking it as a learning experience that I can dream bigger; something that seemed impossible for me has become possible.
How are these days with national and international recognition?
It’s a nice moment; I always wanted my work to make “noise,” and it is.
You received some inquiries due to your good 2023. Can you say something about them?
It’s satisfying to see your work being recognized; whatever is best for everyone will happen.
So far, what’s been the coolest moment of all this that you’re experiencing in football?
Being able to say that I did something that Pelé didn’t do (laughs).
