Brazil forward Alexandre Pato was tipped for the top of football, but now thanks God for his timing.,,,
He seemed to have the dream lifestyle but, one day in 2019, Brazil forward Alexandre Pato turned to the heavens with the words: “Lord, I no longer want this life.”
The footballer recalls it was the “day my life changed forever” when he looks back on a troubled time that seems at odds with perceptions of footballing glory.
Aged 17, he had the soccer world at his feet, joining AC Milan, netting 17 goals in 50 games across four seasons and, in his third campaign, winning the Golden Boy award as Europe’s top young player.
Now aged 32, Pato has travelled the world’s star-studded leagues in a career spanning the San Siro, Chelsea, Villarreal, Corinthians and Sao Paolo, along with dozens of appearances and 10 goals for Brazil.
Tellingly, though, he hasn’t played for Brazil since 2013, which captures the true career arc of a rare talent who failed to live up to his billing.
Yes, he played alongside Beckham, Pirlo, Seedorf and Kaká but, after those first four seasons at AC Milan, he totalled less than 1,800 minutes across Europe’s top leagues.
He was expected to be counted among the world’s best footballers, but an injury-plagued career instead earnt him a place among the beautiful game’s what-could-have-been first 11.
Pato’s not bitter about his missed opportunity, though, because it set him on a course toward a new-found faith that put the pitch setbacks into perspective.
It started when he moved to the Chinese Super League for a fresh start and to clear his head after ill-fated spells in Spain and England.
He returned to Brazil feeling disillusioned by parties and a glamorous lifestyle, so he texted friend Rebeca Abravanel and the two started spending time together. She invited him to church.
“Man, it was a revelation,” Pato told The Players’ Tribune. “The Bible had all the answers I was looking for. I turned my head to the sky and said, ‘Lord, I no longer want this life.’ That day my life changed forever.”
He married Abravanel and, now, his decisions are guided by God. He’s playing in Major League Soccer in the US for Orlando City because the Almighty told him to.
He told the Orlando Sentinel: “I felt something speak in my head, ‘Go there and try to go get back your happiness.’”
He’s signed a contract extension at Orlando and is excited about the future.
“I discovered the true love of God,” Pato posted on Instagram. “And today it’s been 3 years since I’ve been living the most important journey of my life. Thank God I have found more and more my purpose in this life every day. Search and you will see the great love he has for you.”
Now, Pato’s injury-ravaged career is in God’s hands, giving him peace.
“These things happen on God’s time,” he said. “I live only for today. The rest is up to Him.”
