We don’t usually get to see the stories behind some of these players and how they really came from nothing to succeed to such a high level in soccer. Gabriel Jesus is one of them and in this adidas documentary, they tell his story from the beginning in São Paulo, Brazil. A few of his coaches, early managers and brother speak on how he was like as a child, with folks around noticing him from an early age and how much dedication he had for the sport from the start.
His brother Caique De Jesus acknowledges that they grew up in rough surroundings, but football kept them out of the streets and away from the wrong crowds. Gabriel says those younger years were the ones that shaped him and gave him the toughness he uses on the pitch now.
You can also see how his career blossomed into playing for the 2018 English Premier League champions Manchester City, and how much sacrifice it took to get there. Interestingly, he said he wants to retire with his old team Palmeiras, and then finish his amateur career in those São Paulo fields where he got his start. Seems like a fitting ending to the story.
Learn about the 21-year old on the Brazil national team up top.