Another year of a life in red and black.
Leo Moura turns 32 years old and is happy with his current situation wearing the Flamengo jersey.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
How many children celebrate their birthdays with Flamengo-themed parties all over Brazil? How many young people want, as their greatest gift, a jersey of their favorite team? How many idolize a player who identifies with this club? Millions. And today, a man from Niterói who once had all these dreams and can now be part of the imagination of the boys who play soccer wearing the red and black colors turns 32 years old, 24 of which have been spent playing soccer and the last five at Gávea.
Leonardo da Silva Moura came from a humble family and celebrated many birthdays dreaming of a gift that would come in 1996 when he turned professional with Botafogo. But it wasn't until 2005 that he truly realized his great dream. The dream of that boy, whose photo entering the pitch with his greatest idol, Zico, when he was still a child, became famous and embodied his identification with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. It was only in 2005 that he wore the shirt of his beloved club not just to go out on the street, to go to the stadium, or to kick a ball around, but to become a professional player for the team he had always supported.
Leo won titles, became an idol, started a fashion trend with his mohawk, and became captain... But he never stopped being the same humble man and dedicated athlete. That's why, at 32, he has the energy and drive of a 22-year-old, and he doesn't want to stop there. After completing 300 games for the club on October 10th, he announced that he wanted to play another 400, 500, 600... In other words, he wants to celebrate more and more years with this passion for Flamengo even stronger in his heart. And what better way to celebrate than with a victory over their rival?
"Of course, the ideal gift would be a victory," said the player, who received a surprise party from his family on Friday night.
Check out an exclusive interview below with the full-back about this special day in his life.
Birthday on the eve of a Flamengo vs. Vasco match – Of all the games, this one is different. It's a classic, one that really stirs up the fans and the players alike. It's going to be a special match, for sure. I hope it's a well-played, exciting game, and most importantly, that we get the victory.
Concentration – It wasn't the first birthday I've spent focused, and it won't be the last. I've even gotten used to it already. The important thing is to stay focused on the goal, for the team to win the games, and then, yes, celebrate.
Family - My family, of course, gets a little upset sometimes. When your daughters ask you to stay home and not go out, it's difficult. But everyone is very understanding and really roots for me.
Fans' Affection – The Flamengo fans are wonderful, I don't even have words to explain how I feel with this affection. Certainly, every kind of tribute and message they send me, encouraging me, is very important, and I try to respond both on the field with great determination and off the field by paying attention to them.
Present - Of course, the ideal present would be a victory against Vasco. Winning a derby is always important, even more so on my birthday. I'll give my all, and I know my teammates will too, so that we can come away with this win. I'll be very happy if that happens.
Leonardo da Silva Moura came from a humble family and celebrated many birthdays dreaming of a gift that would come in 1996 when he turned professional with Botafogo. But it wasn't until 2005 that he truly realized his great dream. The dream of that boy, whose photo entering the pitch with his greatest idol, Zico, when he was still a child, became famous and embodied his identification with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. It was only in 2005 that he wore the shirt of his beloved club not just to go out on the street, to go to the stadium, or to kick a ball around, but to become a professional player for the team he had always supported.
Leo won titles, became an idol, started a fashion trend with his mohawk, and became captain... But he never stopped being the same humble man and dedicated athlete. That's why, at 32, he has the energy and drive of a 22-year-old, and he doesn't want to stop there. After completing 300 games for the club on October 10th, he announced that he wanted to play another 400, 500, 600... In other words, he wants to celebrate more and more years with this passion for Flamengo even stronger in his heart. And what better way to celebrate than with a victory over their rival?
"Of course, the ideal gift would be a victory," said the player, who received a surprise party from his family on Friday night.
Check out an exclusive interview below with the full-back about this special day in his life.
Birthday on the eve of a Flamengo vs. Vasco match – Of all the games, this one is different. It's a classic, one that really stirs up the fans and the players alike. It's going to be a special match, for sure. I hope it's a well-played, exciting game, and most importantly, that we get the victory.
Concentration – It wasn't the first birthday I've spent focused, and it won't be the last. I've even gotten used to it already. The important thing is to stay focused on the goal, for the team to win the games, and then, yes, celebrate.
Family - My family, of course, gets a little upset sometimes. When your daughters ask you to stay home and not go out, it's difficult. But everyone is very understanding and really roots for me.
Fans' Affection – The Flamengo fans are wonderful, I don't even have words to explain how I feel with this affection. Certainly, every kind of tribute and message they send me, encouraging me, is very important, and I try to respond both on the field with great determination and off the field by paying attention to them.
Present - Of course, the ideal present would be a victory against Vasco. Winning a derby is always important, even more so on my birthday. I'll give my all, and I know my teammates will too, so that we can come away with this win. I'll be very happy if that happens.
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