Visit Al Jazeera English
Display mobile navigation Display mobile search bar
Al Jazeera America Al Jazeera America
Sections
U.S. International Economy Technology Science Environment Sports Culture Human Rights
Trending
Election 2016 Immigration Drugs Special Coverage
Search Form

Photos: A Day in the life of a Brazilian footballer

June 17, 2014 1:10PM ET

Genilso toils at the bottom of the Brazilian professional leagues, hoping for his big break

Topics:
Sports
World Cup
Brazil
View comments
Brazilian footballer
Genilso de Oliveira, 31, the captain of Futuro Bem Proximo Atletico clube, a third division soccer club, typically rises at 6 AM. He is one of the thousands of players toiling at the bottom rungs of Brazilian professional soccer. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
After a two-hour commute, Genilso reaches his team’s training facility in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro, where he readies himself for practice with sun tan lotion borrowed from a friend. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
He only occasionally gets paid and supplies most of his own gear. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
Genilso, center, hopes that through hard work, he can land a contract with a bigger club. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
The players strip down after practice before a dunk in the pool. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
The pool offers refreshment from the heat after practice. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
Players are reflected in a window at the team training facility. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
A few days later, the team has a match. In the dressing room before the game, the coach discusses strategy. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
Genilso prepares to wrap his feet before the game. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
The team listens to the coach’s instructions. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
On this particular Sunday, Genilso sat on the bench for most of the game, where he and teammates cheered for their team. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
Inserted late in the game, Genilso delivered a goal for his team, sealing their 3-0 victory. Here, he is congratulated by a teammate in the locker room. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
Genilso walks in Campo Grande. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
After a long day, Genilso picks up his daughter Ludmilla on the way home. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America
Brazilian footballer
Father and daughter ride the bus home. Meeri Koutaniemi for Al Jazeera America