Richarlison opens up in a brave interview revealing he ‘searched about death on Google’ when struggling with his mental health.
The Tottenham and Brazil player has spoken about how he felt like ‘everything fell apart’ after the 2022 World Cup, where he scored three goals for Brazil.
Despite his success on the field, the 26-year-old revealed in an emotional interview with ESPN Brasil that he struggled with depression following the tournament, which ended with Brazil’s elimination in the quarter-finals.
Richarlison confided in his father about his desire to ‘give up’ due to personal issues, but he was able to overcome his struggles by seeking professional help.
In September, he made the decision to seek ‘psychological help’ after being visibly upset on the bench during an international break with the Brazilian national team.
Richarlison opens up about his depression after the 2022 World Cup and how therapy helped him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YdAwSULrYp
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 27, 2024
Richarlison said he sought psychological help following the tournament, saying it was “the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”
“Before I went to training, I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my room because, I don’t know what was going through my head,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil.
“I even went and told my dad I was going to give up.
“It’s kind of sad to talk like that, you know? What I went through after the World Cup, discovering things here at home from people who had lived with me for over seven years … It is crazy.
“To go to my father, who was the guy who chased my dream with me, and say, ‘Dad, I want to give up,’ is crazy.”
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) March 27, 2024
It’s very important!! Thanks and lots of love for you guys! 💛❤️
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) March 27, 2024
Following his incredibly moving interview, we express our strongest support to our former forward @richarlison97 and reinforce his important message about the need to take care of your mental health and seek help.
Every Evertonian is with you, Richy. 💙 pic.twitter.com/E6OojloF0n
— Everton (@Everton) March 27, 2024
Richarlison revealed in September 2023 that he experienced a tough period off the field.
This came to light after he was seen shedding tears on the bench after being substituted in Brazil’s 5-1 win against Bolivia.
But one of the factors contributing to his distress was his separation from his long-time agent, Renato Velasco with the split allegedly a result of a financial disagreement involving stolen funds.
“I’d just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak,” Richarlison continued. “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.
“Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup it seemed like it all fell apart.
“I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish … Even on Google, I only searched for rubbish, I only wanted to see rubbish about death.
“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. Today a [psychologist] came to thank me for taking this to the world of football, to the world, outside the pitch too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.
“I had this prejudice before, I thought it was nonsense, I thought I was crazy. In my family, there are people who think that anyone who goes to a psychologist thinks they are crazy, they think they are insane. But I discovered this and thought it was wonderful. The best thing, really the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”
The forward completed a £60 million ($75.7m) transfer from Everton to Spurs in July 2022.
Richarlison has so far made 48 appearances for Brazil, but he was an unused substitute in both of their fixtures this international window, against England on Saturday and Spain on Tuesday.
You can watch his full interview below…
Fans gave their heartfelt reaction as Richarlison opens up in brave interview revealing he ‘searched about death on Google’…
@HLTCO: This is an extremely brave thing for Richarlison to open up about publicly given his fame. His case, alongside so many others, proves that depression has nothing to do with personal circumstance, it can grab hold of anyone at any point in their life. All power to him. 🫡 The emotion in his voice is so clear when you watch the footage of this interview. Acceptance of mental health is miles better than if was even 10 years ago but even so, Richarlison deserves endless credit for speaking so openly on camera about it all.
@7142K21CF_: Fair play on opening up about your off field issues Richy lad take care. 💙👊🏻
@FTM1042: @richarlison97 we’re all extremely proud of you mate. 💙 shows the real mental strength, courage and determination you have to open up about your own mental health. So sorry you had to suffer like that. Stay strong Richy
@1986_legend: A lad who came thousands of miles to play for Everton got it more than lads who came from down the road. Always have a place in my heart.
@Cate_Pickles: He will have helped many men by speaking up. Mental health illness is nothing to be ashamed of. The strongest men are the ones who talk and get help.
@trevorbartlet18: Honestly love this guy! Consummate professional, honest to the core and a great footballer too. Miss you in the Royal Blue jersey Richy.
@keithsweeney5: We’re all with you @richarlison97 whatever colour you wear, you will always be our blue Brazilian UTFT
@DaveReno: Somehow I hope we can see you back in blue and in the new stadium Richy. Every Evertonian wishes you well 💙💙
@brian_pinas: Fair play to the lad. It can hit anyone, and it’s hard to open up to friends and family about it never mind the public. Wish him all the best.
@GunnerGroove: Used to despise him, but after this interview I will never see him the same way, what an inspiration!
@Kopology: I’m not sure many men generally, let alone footballers, would be happy to keep being filmed while crying and let it be aired. Most would want to stop.
@HarbourGull: He’s showing people how irrational depression can be. Here he was after just playing in the World Cup and in one of the top leagues in the world logically he should be feeling amazing.
@matt8284: The guy is a hero. Hope he feels better now and he can be happy.
@starwashiom: Massive respect to him. Richie will always have a home at Everton FC x
@JonnybarnesEFC: Well done Everton and ur a star Richy, u really are. All the best mate you will get through this and so brave speaking out 💙🙏🏻
@silman_clare: Watching the interview is heartbreaking that anyone feels like this but to see Richie a play my cousin loved feeling like he did 💔 just get the help you need cos not everyone does and come home soon we’ve got your back 💙
@DJ_CPFC: That was brave. He’d be shocked how many people who saw this would want to give him a hug and some words of comfort. Wishing him a happy life and even more success
@ann_mcgoldrick: Incredibly moving interview Richy. Really stopped me in my tracks. Sending you lots of healing love. 🙏 you feel better soon 🥲💙🤗
@mjdarragh: We love you Richy! Stay strong… you are a fantastic footballer but an even better guy 💙
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