Football star in Hong Kong embracing pressure after ‘making it out’ of Brazilian favela
Samuel Granada flourishing for North District on loan from illustrious Rio de Janeiro club Fluminense, eyeing big-time return
Having grown up in “one of the most dangerous places in the world”, Samuel Granada is entirely unfazed about being the most marked man in Hong Kong football.
Since joining Premier League North District on loan from Brazilian giants Fluminense back in September, Granada has scored 12 goals in 12 matches, establishing himself as the revelation of this local league season.
“I’m a target for other players and fans, and there’s now an expectation among the Hong Kong people, crowds, coaches and staff that I have to live up to,” Granada said. “I feed off that pressure.”
The two words inked on the striker’s stomach explain his fearless attitude. They read “Belford Roxo”, in homage to the Rio de Janeiro city that housed the favela where Granada grew up.
“It’s one of the most dangerous places in the world,” Granada, 25, said. “It’s really sad, everybody knows what’s going on, but you learn to live like this.”
Being taken to watch football by his father, aged five, inspired Granada’s football dream and “shaped my destiny.” “My roots and upbringing made me,” he said.