The old maxim of Corinthians fans is never to stop fighting. That’s how goalkeeper Diego Riechelmann, 24, had to restart his career. To start the story, the goalkeeper joined Timão in 2016 after a trial. A starter in a short time, he was a champion of the U-17 Brazilian Cup.
On the rise and with a rapid rise, his good performance made the U-20 team coaching staff take him to the São Paulo Junior Football Cup the following year. From the youth team, Diego moved up to the professional team and lifted the 2017 São Paulo State Championship trophy alongside idol Cássio.
“I am very grateful and honored to have played for Corinthians. One of the giants of world football, a dream for anyone and I achieved it. I think few can look back on their careers and say they were champions wearing this jersey, I’m glad I can say that. It was a very important stage in my life and I learned a lot. I owe a lot to this club,” declares the player.
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After his time at Corinthians, Diego went to Portugal in search of an opportunity. The big problem was that an off-field factor delayed his plans. With the Covid-19 pandemic, came the uncertainties and his mental health was affected. Away from his family, he even abandoned the world of football and started studying Veterinary Medicine.
“When the pandemic came, I was doing badly, I no longer had the same desire to play football. I had lost a little of the passion I had, so I decided to stay away for a while. But when I had my children, that’s when I rethought everything. My family gave me a new reason to pursue the sport. It seems to have given a new meaning to something I’ve always loved. So that’s when I decided to take a risk and return to live football. For my family,” says Diego.
However, the arrival of Lucca, his eldest son, and Noah, the youngest, changed everything. Diego regained his strength, returned to training and resumed his dream of being a professional footballer.
“But when I had my children, that’s when I rethought everything. My family gave me a new reason to pursue the sport. It seems to have given a new meaning to something I’ve always loved. So that’s when I decided to take a risk and return to live football. For my family,” the player reports.
Motivated, Diego managed to sign with Portosantense, a team in Portugal, where he already lived with his family. The goalkeeper was able to adapt quickly to the club and, after two years off, returned to play at a high level, in the 2023/2024 season.
“Returning to play was special. Stepping onto the field, defending the colors of a team, I really feel like it’s where I belong, I was born to do this. I think, individually, it was a better season than I imagined. I feel it was an excellent season. After a period off, returning is never easy. But I know I can still evolve further. Now it’s about maintaining this pace and working hard for the next season. With the support of those who trust me, I’m sure I’ll go far,” concluded Diego.
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.
Watch the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
