Striker Felipe Matheus De Jesus Silva scored 43 goals last season for Sloga from Zdenci, finishing as the top goalscorer in the Premijer županijske nogometne lige in Virovitica-Podravina County, Croatia. The 25-year-old Brazilian forward, who has played in Croatia for three years, moved from a Brazilian favela to regional football while crediting the sport with keeping him away from crime.
From Brazilian Favela Streets to Croatian Regional Football
Growing up playing football on the streets and pitches of his local favela in Brazil, Felipe developed his skills early. People around him recognized his talent when he was a boy, reinforcing his ambition to pursue a professional career in the sport.
“Ever since I can remember, my life has always been football,” Felipe said. “I always had a ball with me, running through the streets and playing on the pitches of my favela. From a very early age, I heard people say that I had a future and that I could go far thanks to football.”
Felipe stated that football shielded him from dangerous environments during his childhood. While peers drifted into illegal activities, he maintained focus on sport as a mechanism for social mobility.
“Without a doubt, football saved me from many bad things,” Felipe said. “Many of my childhood friends took the wrong path and ended up in crime, but thanks to God and football, I never got involved in anything bad.”
Family Ties and the Memory of a Grandmother
Football remains a central focus within Felipe’s family. His 10-year-old brother currently plays football in Brazil, and Felipe serves as an active supporter of his sibling’s development in the sport.
“My brother already plays in Brazil and is following in my footsteps,” Felipe said. “He is still very young so it is hard to say if one day he will be better than me, but I want that for him from the bottom of my heart and I am his biggest fan.”
Throughout his career, Felipe relied heavily on his parents and his grandmother for guidance. His grandmother passed away during his initial stint in Croatia, an event that remains significant to him.
“My grandmother, who unfortunately is no longer alive, passed away precisely during my first stay in Croatia,” Felipe said. “I didn’t even manage to say goodbye to her, and that is something I will always carry with me. She was the person who supported me the most. She practically dedicated the last 20 years of her life to me.”
Overcoming Structural Obstacles in Professional Football
Discussing the sport, Felipe noted that reaching top-tier professional clubs involves political dynamics and managerial representation that extend beyond raw athletic talent.
“In any part of the world, it is very hard to reach a big club,” Felipe said. “In football, there are many things that are not right, a lot of politics and situations that we all know exist. Sometimes it is not necessarily the best players who go the furthest, but those who have a good agent or the right people by their side.”
Arrival in Croatia and Integration at Sloga from Zdenci
Felipe first moved to Croatia in 2021 to join NK Stubica, where he played for half a season before returning briefly to Brazil. He returned to Croatia in 2023, signing with Sloga from Zdenci in Virovitica-Podravina County.
“The second time I came to Croatia was in 2023, when I arrived in Zdenci, where I still am today,” Felipe said. “As for the adaptation, I think the hardest things for me were the language and the cold. I am definitely not used to winters like this.”
Local hospitality assisted his transition, particularly friendships formed within the club. He highlighted Petar as a key figure in helping him integrate into the local community.
“Ever since I came to Zdenci, I always felt at home,” Felipe said. “I made great friendships and met people I will remember for the rest of my life. I cannot fail to mention my friend Petar. Ever since I arrived here, we have almost never been apart.”
Scoring Record in the Virovitica-Podravina County League
Playing for Sloga from Zdenci last season, Felipe netted 43 goals to secure the league’s golden boot. He finished two goals ahead of fellow Brazilian striker Mamede, who plays for Suhopolje in the same regional division.
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