From Belgium to Brazil: Bernardo Gama's Football Journey
In the vast landscape of global football, certain stories stand out – not just for the talent they showcase, but for the resilience, faith, and determination they embody. Bernardo Gama's journey is one such story, weaving through continents, overcoming physical challenges, and demonstrating how a supportive community can make all the difference in a young player's development.
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A Football Journey Begins in Belgium
Bernardo's football story began with a family move that would change everything. In 2016, his father Francisco received a job opportunity with Aperam Châtelet in Belgium – a professional transition that would unexpectedly open doors for his son's football aspirations.
"During this transition between countries, I asked my father to enroll me in a football academy," Bernardo recalls. Starting with futsal at Futsal Team Charleroi, he spent three years developing the technical foundation that would later become his trademark.
The progression was natural – from futsal to field football with local club PacBuzet, and eventually, a breakthrough opportunity with Belgian first division side Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OHL).
"After two weeks of tryouts, I was approved," Bernardo shares with pride. "I was very happy that it was my first professional team."
Return to Brazilian Roots
Just as Bernardo was establishing himself in Belgium, another career opportunity arose for his father – this time back in Brazil with Aperam Timóteo. The family returned to their homeland in 2022, where Bernardo would face both new opportunities and significant challenges.
After settling in Timóteo, Minas Gerais, Bernardo found his place at RPS football academy in Ipatinga. His talent quickly attracted attention, leading to numerous tryout opportunities with Brazilian clubs – some successful, others not.
In October 2023, came the opportunity that would mark the next chapter in his development: an offer to join the youth ranks of Coritiba FC, where he currently trains with the Under-15 team.
"We chose Coritiba because its DNA includes a characteristic of developing new talents, regardless of size and strength, highly valuing the technique and skill of the players," explains Bernardo – a philosophy that would prove crucial given the challenges he faced.
Overcoming Physical Challenges
At the heart of Bernardo's story lies a challenge that many young players might find insurmountable. Despite turning 15 in June 2025, Bernardo has been diagnosed with delayed growth development – meaning he has the physical stature of a much younger player.
"My biggest challenges in football are related to height and strength," he acknowledges candidly. "My teammates and opponents in football are much taller than me, and because of this, I have been facing significant difficulties."
This challenge echoes the early career of Lionel Messi, who famously required growth hormone treatment as a youth player at Barcelona. Like Messi, Bernardo refuses to let his physical development dictate his football destiny.
"I am aware that this will pass, and I will not give up on my dream," he affirms. "I know that because of this, I need to train and dedicate myself much more, but I also know that if I don't, I will never get there!"
Faith as a Foundation
Beyond his technical abilities and determination, Bernardo draws strength from his Christian faith – a cornerstone of his identity both on and off the pitch.
"I am an Evangelical Christian, and I know that God has a purpose in my life. I can glorify His name through football, so that everyone can feel the joy and seek the strength that He gives me to continue," he shares.
This spiritual foundation provides Bernardo with perspective beyond football, helping him navigate the inevitable ups and downs of development. "To keep my head in the right place, I have been asking God through my prayers to grant me calmness in all training sessions and games, and that I can be an example on and off the field."
The Power of Community
Bernardo's story intersects powerfully with the FTBLRLIFE global football community, where he was one of the earliest members. After joining the platform, his exceptional technical ability quickly stood out, earning him the Goal of the Month award – a recognition that, according to his father Francisco, significantly boosted his motivation.
"When Bernardo won that Goal of the Month award, it wasn't just about the prize," shares David Clarke, Founder of FTBLRLIFE. "It was about a young player in Brazil feeling seen and valued by a global community. That's exactly why we built this platform – to connect football people across borders and create opportunities that wouldn't otherwise exist."
The community's support extended beyond recognition. When Bernardo needed guidance regarding potential agents in Brazil, FTBLRLIFE's Joe Elsmore leveraged his contacts in Los Angeles to help vet candidates, ensuring the family could make an informed decision about this crucial aspect of player development.
"This is what happens when football has a true home," explains Clarke. "A father in Brazil and our team spread across different continents can collaborate to support a talented young player's journey. These connections simply wouldn't happen on general social media platforms where football content gets lost in the noise."
Creating Content, Building Connections
One of the most distinctive aspects of Bernardo's engagement with the community has been his technical challenge videos, created with his father Francisco. These showcases of skill have not only helped document his development but have connected him with players, coaches, and football enthusiasts worldwide.
"Bernardo posts some amazing technical challenges in our global community, and he has always really enjoyed creating the content with his father," notes Clarke. "It's beautiful to see how football becomes not just a sport but a bonding experience between father and son."
This content creation has become a two-way street, with Bernardo both inspiring others and receiving feedback and encouragement from the community. It represents the essence of what a football-focused platform can provide – meaningful connections centered around the beautiful game.
The Road Ahead
While Bernardo's future remains unwritten, his foundation is strong – technical ability developed across two continents, the unwavering support of his family, faith that provides perspective, and a global community cheering him on.
"I cannot say what my journey will be," Bernardo acknowledges with wisdom beyond his years, "but as far as it depends on me, I will do everything possible to be a professional football player and, above all, a servant of the living God!"
For the FTBLRLIFE community, Bernardo's ongoing story represents exactly why connecting the global game matters. Whether he reaches the professional ranks or finds his path elsewhere in football, the relationships formed, lessons learned, and moments shared across borders have already made his journey remarkable.
As Clarke puts it: "Bernardo's story reminds us that football truly changes lives – not just through professional contracts or championships, but through the connections, confidence, and character it builds along the way."
Follow Bernardo Gama's journey on the FTBLRLIFE community platform, where he continues to share his development and inspire players worldwide.
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