Richarlison Touts the Benefits of Therapy

March 21, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison is encouraging other players to seek psychological help.

During an interview with an international publication on Wednesday, 20 March, the 26-year-old Brazil international player said that he had been at “rock bottom”, but therapy had “saved his life”.

“As a player who has an active voice, I tell people to seek help,” he said before going on to say: “We know how prejudiced people are when they say they’re looking for [psychological] help. Thank god I’m not prejudiced about it any more.”

Richarlison revealed that he began seeking help for his mental health in September last year, when he struggled to perform during Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

The soccer player underwent groin surgery two months later, after which he was sidelined for several weeks. After working on both his physical and mental health, Richarlison’s performance for both Tottenham and Brazil has improved.

On Monday, 18 March, Brazil announced that Marisa Santiago will be joining their technical staff as squad psychologist – a move which Richarlison has praised.

“It’s very important for the national team to have a psychologist to help the players. Only we know the pressure we suffer, not just on the pitch but off it,” he added.

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