Leonardo: From Favelas to Feyenoord and Ajax, Now Eyes Coaching Career

Leonardo de Vitor Santiago, a former Brazilian professional footballer who graced the pitches of both Feyenoord and Ajax, is now setting his sights on a career in coaching. The 43-year-old winger, whose journey began in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, reflects on a career marked by both talent and unusual circumstances.

Early Life and Discovery

Leonardo’s footballing journey began at the Nova Safra football school in Rio de Janeiro, growing up in the Jacarezinho neighbourhood, an area also known as the early stomping ground of Brazilian legend Romário. At the age of 11, his talent was spotted by Jos de Putter, who featured Leonardo and another young player, Anselmo, in the documentary “Solo, de wet van de favela” (Solo, the law of the favela). This documentary proved pivotal in launching his European career.

Breakthrough at Feyenoord

Following the attention garnered from the documentary, Leonardo moved to Rotterdam to join Feyenoord’s youth academy, Varkenoord. He made his debut for Feyenoord on August 19, 2000, at the age of 17, in a 2-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar. His debut was initially controversial due to FIFA regulations regarding players under the age of 18, but a miscommunication allowed him to play despite not yet having a work permit. Trainer Bert van Marwijk defied advice from the Public Prosecution Service to field the young talent.

Eredivisie Career

Leonardo spent five years with Feyenoord (2000-2005), making 53 appearances and scoring 4 goals. He later played for NAC Breda (2006, 2009-2012), Ajax (2007-2009), and had a loan spell with Red Bull Salzburg (2011-2012). He played in seven “Klassiekers” – matches between Feyenoord and Ajax – and fondly remembers the intense atmosphere these games created. He made 39 appearances for Ajax, scoring 5 goals, and 42 appearances for NAC Breda, scoring 6 goals.

Later Career and Coaching Aspirations

Leonardo’s career continued with stints at Ferencváros (2013-2014), 1860 Munich (2014), Newcastle United Jets (2015-2016), and FC Eindhoven (2017). Throughout his career, he amassed a total of 254 club appearances, scoring 40 goals. Now, Leonardo is eager to transition into coaching, drawing on his experiences playing for two of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs. He believes a special quality is needed to win “De Klassieker” – the rivalry match between Feyenoord and Ajax – stating that an individualist player is often the key to victory.

Looking Ahead

As Leonardo contemplates his future in coaching, he carries with him the memories of a unique career path, one that began in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and led him to the heart of Dutch football. His insights and experiences promise to be valuable assets as he embarks on this new chapter.