DIFFICULT BEGINNINGS ≠ THE END OF DREAMS #MOTIVATIONMONDAY303

The story of Alexsandro – from poverty to the Brazil national team

Alexsandro Victor de Souza Ribeiro, born on August 9, 1999, in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is today a central defender for Lille and the Brazilian national team.

But his path to professionalism was full of obstacles. He grew up in a poor family as the oldest of five children, raised by a single mother. In his childhood, he lived in a neighborhood where people often lacked basic comforts.

Daily life meant that Alexsandro, his siblings, and his mother worked by collecting and sorting recyclable materials from trash – plastics, bottles, metals – and selling them to survive. His family also relied on odd jobs – construction work, selling sweets, or helping relatives.

Football was not easy either. Alexsandro tried out for Flamengo and had trials at Botafogo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama – without success. Even at Resende, where he played for a time, he did not find an immediate breakthrough. Often clubs showed interest, only to reject him later.

The turning point came when Alexsandro moved to Portugal. He joined Praiense in the third division, then Amora, and later Chaves, where his performances drew attention and earned him a transfer to Lille in France.

In 2025 – after years of rejection, sacrifice, and hard work – Alexsandro received his first call-up to the Brazilian national team. Proof that even the toughest beginnings can lead to the very top.

ANALYSIS – WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM HIS STORY

1. REJECTION DOES NOT END THE JOURNEY
   Alexsandro was turned down many times by clubs he wanted to join. But each rejection became motivation, a signal of where he needed to improve. He did not quit.

2. HUMILITY AND HARD WORK BEYOND FOOTBALL
   Alongside training, Alexsandro worked in recycling, construction, and selling goods. This gave him not only survival but also resilience, discipline, and appreciation of effort.

3. TAKE OPPORTUNITIES, EVEN IN LOWER LEAGUES
   Playing in Portugal’s third division was not glamorous, but Alexsandro used it as a stage to showcase himself. Professionalism in small clubs can open doors to bigger ones.

4. CONSISTENCY AND PATIENCE
   His career was built over years, not months. Constant training, accepting setbacks, adapting to new places – patience was key to his rise.

5. FAMILY AS MOTIVATION
   For Alexsandro, family was the driving force. Seeing their struggles fueled his determination to push through hardships and aim higher.

5 TIPS FOR AMBITIOUS PLAYERS – HOW TO OVERCOME DIFFICULT BEGINNINGS AND ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS

1. BUILD YOUR FOUNDATIONS – TECHNIQUE, FITNESS, MENTALITY
   Even in a small club, treat every training session as a chance to improve. Develop technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental toughness.

2. TAKE REJECTIONS AS LESSONS, NOT FAILURES
   If a club says no, ask yourself: what can I improve? Use setbacks as guidance to grow, not as reasons to quit.

3. USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY – NO MATTER HOW SMALL
   A lower league team can still be your stepping stone. Show professionalism, punctuality, and commitment – scouts notice these qualities everywhere.

4. SACRIFICE AND DISCIPLINE MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK
   Diet, rest, recovery, and lifestyle choices separate professionals from dreamers. Success requires sacrifices others are not willing to make.

5. DREAMS + ACTION PLAN + PATIENCE
   Define your long-term goal and break it into smaller steps – earn minutes in your team, secure a transfer, improve stats. Stay patient; progress takes time.

CONCLUSION

Alexsandro’s story shows that poverty, rejection, and humble beginnings are not destiny. They are obstacles that can be overcome with resilience, discipline, and consistency.

If you are an ambitious player, remember: your current situation does not determine your future. Every training session, every small victory, and even every rejection is a building block on your journey to becoming a professional.