Football Beginnings | Jose Sa
Right now, Jose Sa is representing Portugal at the Euro 2024 event. The Wolves goalkeeper shares the challenges he faced during his early days as a young football player, as he worked hard to establish himself in the sport.
Who did you look up to as a child?
Back in the day, there were Iker Casillas, Petr Cech, Gianluigi Buffon, and Manuel Neuer. I admired these goalkeepers and enjoyed watching them play. As a kid, I aspired to be just like them when I grew up.
Have you had a mentor who provided you with guidance and support?
I had a lot of support from people like my family and coaches who were instrumental in my success. Without these individuals, I wouldn't be where I am today. My parents, particularly my father, played a crucial role in my journey as a professional athlete. He not only supported me emotionally but also financially, taking me to practices and games when I was younger. My father was definitely the one person who made a huge impact on my career.
What obstacles did you have to face and conquer?
When I was younger, I didn't face many challenges except for one instance when I tried to switch clubs. My previous club, Palmeiras, refused to let me leave. I began training with the new club, Mereliense, but they also didn't release me. Palmeiras was a small club in Braga, but I wanted to join Mereliense. I spent six months without playing, only training because I wasn't allowed to leave. Thankfully, in January, I was finally released and able to start playing.
What was the proudest moment of your early career as a player?
I achieved success early in my career by winning several titles. Winning the title in Porto was a major accomplishment for me as a young professional. I also experienced success on the national team by winning the Nations League. In Greece, I won the league title twice and even secured a cup victory. I have celebrated many achievements in my career.
Are there any memories from that period that are still vivid in your mind?
Certainly, there are certain memories that will always remain vivid in your mind. These are experiences that leave a lasting impression, both the positive and negative ones, as they offer valuable lessons and insights for personal growth.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from then until now?
In order to succeed, you need to put in a lot of effort. You won't achieve anything if you don't work hard. It's important to remain humble and assist others. By doing so, you will eventually achieve success. Luck also plays a role, especially in football, but hard work is essential. If you work diligently, you will be one step closer to reaching your goals.
This blog post was first published in the Wolves' official matchday programme for the 2023/24 season. You can still buy last season's programmes on the Curtis Sports website.
