"I Almost Quit Playing Football" - Richarlison Opens Up On His Mental Health Struggles and Seeking Help After Social Media Trolls

Richarlison breaks down in tears as he reveals he wanted to quit football and would always Google ‘rubbish about death’

Brazilian footballer Richarlison, aged 26, courageously sheds light on his mental health battles during the past season. Following the World Cup in Qatar, he felt a profound sense of things “falling apart.”

In an interview with ESPN, Richarlison confessed to searching for “rubbish about death” online, illustrating the depth of his struggle before seeking assistance from a psychologist. He expressed his internal turmoil, stating, “I’d just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak. I was reaching my limit, you know? I don’t know, I’m not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up.”

Despite his perceived mental fortitude, Richarlison found himself in a vulnerable state post-World Cup, challenging his previous notions of strength and resilience.

The Tottenham star candidly admitted to harboring misconceptions about seeking professional help, initially viewing it as a sign of weakness. However, his perspective shifted, acknowledging the necessity and efficacy of therapy. 

Encouraging fellow footballers to prioritize their mental well-being, he emphasized the value of opening up and seeking support: “Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person.”

Reflecting on his journey, Richarlison credited his therapist with saving his life, highlighting the transformative power of therapy. He recounted a period of darkness where his searches on Google were solely focused on negative and morbid topics, underscoring the extent of his distress.

Richarlison’s emotional turmoil extended beyond the pitch, impacting his personal relationships and challenging familial attitudes towards mental health. He recounted facing prejudice within his family, where seeking psychological assistance was equated with being “crazy” or “insane.” However, his own experience reshaped his perceptions, leading him to recognize the profound benefits of therapy.

The striker’s resilience shines through as he returns to form with Tottenham this season, netting impressive goals despite grappling with injury setbacks. His openness about mental health struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and destigmatizing discussions surrounding mental well-being. Richarlison’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative impact of therapy and the resilience found in confronting and overcoming mental health challenges.