Southampton midfielder Léo Scienza describes his journey as 'a bloodbath', likening the English Championship to a war zone where one can feel the weight of two or three players on them all the time.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has come a long way since he was struggling to make ends meet in Sweden, playing for a fifth-tier team Fanna. His life took a drastic turn when his father passed away on his 20th birthday, leaving him feeling lost and without direction. The youngster locked himself in his room for two months and considered giving up, but eventually found the strength to escape his dark past.
Scienza credits his struggles with helping him grow as a person. Despite playing in some of the toughest leagues in Sweden, he started to pick himself up and focus on the positive aspects of his life. He even managed to have fun and appreciate the little things, like new friendships and promotions.
However, it was during his time at Ulm in the third tier that Scienza's career truly took off. The midfielder became a star player, scoring 12 goals and attracting attention from top clubs. He eventually landed a deal with Heidenheim, which led to his transfer to Southampton for around £8 million.
Now playing in the Championship, Scienza says he is used to the intense pressure of competing against bigger teams. However, he remains optimistic about his future prospects, joking that he doesn't know what life has in store for him after the season. Despite the tough circumstances, the midfielder says he has learned to accept and process difficult situations, moving on from past experiences.
For Scienza, football is a way of escaping and finding solace. His journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find strength in the darkest times. As he prepares for his next match against Portsmouth, Scienza remains focused on his goals, determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
The 27-year-old Brazilian has come a long way since he was struggling to make ends meet in Sweden, playing for a fifth-tier team Fanna. His life took a drastic turn when his father passed away on his 20th birthday, leaving him feeling lost and without direction. The youngster locked himself in his room for two months and considered giving up, but eventually found the strength to escape his dark past.
Scienza credits his struggles with helping him grow as a person. Despite playing in some of the toughest leagues in Sweden, he started to pick himself up and focus on the positive aspects of his life. He even managed to have fun and appreciate the little things, like new friendships and promotions.
However, it was during his time at Ulm in the third tier that Scienza's career truly took off. The midfielder became a star player, scoring 12 goals and attracting attention from top clubs. He eventually landed a deal with Heidenheim, which led to his transfer to Southampton for around £8 million.
Now playing in the Championship, Scienza says he is used to the intense pressure of competing against bigger teams. However, he remains optimistic about his future prospects, joking that he doesn't know what life has in store for him after the season. Despite the tough circumstances, the midfielder says he has learned to accept and process difficult situations, moving on from past experiences.
For Scienza, football is a way of escaping and finding solace. His journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find strength in the darkest times. As he prepares for his next match against Portsmouth, Scienza remains focused on his goals, determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
. I mean, he was literally locked in his room for two months feeling lost and hopeless after his dad passed away... that's some heavy stuff. But instead of giving up, he found a way to turn those dark moments into fuel for his growth 
. And now look at him, playing for Southampton and making £8 million! It just goes to show that with the right mindset and support, you can overcome even the toughest obstacles 
.
It's supposed to be this hearty stew made with beans and beef, but I've been having trouble getting it just right... I mean, Scienza's life is crazy, but I feel like he's got more going on in his head than I do when I'm trying to get the seasoning just right 
.
I feel so bad for this dude, Léo Scienza, going through all that dark stuff and still managing to come out on top 
. I mean, two months locked in his room? That's some intense stuff 
. But seriously, it's crazy how football can be both a blessing and a curse, you know? He's found success and solace in the game, but it's also brought up some pretty heavy emotions 
.
". And can we talk about how inspiring his story is? From playing in fifth-tier teams to becoming a £8 million player? That's some next-level stuff 
.
. It's like he's saying, "You know what? I've been through a bloodbath, but I'm gonna make my own way" 
. May he continue to slay the game and inspire others with his story 
.
I can imagine playing in those tough leagues and still managing to find the positives, it shows he's got some serious mental toughness 
. Kids who can't afford to play football like Scienza are forced to find other ways to escape, like joining street teams or getting involved with gangs. It's a ticking time bomb just waiting to unleash its fury on our communities.
. I mean, have you seen the stats on footballer suicides? It's like we're playing with fire and expecting everyone to come out unscathed 
. We need to start supporting these players, both on and off the pitch.
. Is it just about the money and the fame, or is there something more we can be doing to support our young people? 
, but this kid Léo Scienza's story is like something outta a movie, ya know? Playing for a 5th-tier team in Sweden and then just... boom! He's off to Ulm and suddenly he's scoring goals left and right 
. I mean, I can relate to struggling with stuff and finding strength in dark times, but this kid's story is just... wow 
. He's a true inspiration, you feel me? 
. The part that gets me though is when he talks about feeling like a 'bloodbath' on the pitch - I can imagine being a smaller team player trying to navigate against these heavy hitters 
. On a more serious note, it's cool to see him find solace in football and use it as a way to escape his past 
. the fact that football became his escape and solace after going through so much is just wow. reminds me of how football can change lives in more ways than one 
"
Can you believe this kid was playing for a team called Fanna? I mean, it's not like they're hiding in a small village or something! 
Anyway, I'm rooting for Scienza to smash it at Southampton and make the most of every opportunity. He's an inspiration, mate 
. But the thing is, he did take the time to reflect on himself and focus on the positives, like new friendships and promotions 
. That's really inspiring, you know? And now, playing in the Championship, he's got to deal with all that pressure again 
. I think it's cool how he stays optimistic about his future, though... I mean, who knows what's gonna happen next for him? 
what an incredible journey from 5th-tier Sweden to Southampton! I love his attitude, too - joking about not knowing what life has in store for him after the season 
. He's proud of how far he's come and is determined to make the most of every opportunity 
️. But at the end of the day, it's all about having fun, learning from your mistakes, and being true to yourself