Football is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions of fans across the globe, for its athleticism, competition, and teamwork. But in Filbert Pereira’s mind, it is called the ‘beautiful game’ for a reason. Filbert chose the path less travelled, and focused on the artistic potential of the sport, making a mark in the world of freestyle football.
Juggling his way from a footballer to become a professional freestyle player, Filbert started his journey on the sands of Goan beaches. “I have been a football player since a kid, but I liked to do freestyle skills to impress my friends, I liked their reactions,” he said. Despite, his focus, Filbert was still active on the competitive scene, being part of the runner-up team in the Hero National Club Futsal Championship with Mohammedan Sporting.
He has represented Goa in the Red Bull National Championships in 2019. “Participating in the Redbull National, meeting and learning from the best freestylers in the country; it changed my view on freestyle and I need to be perfect in my skills. But what matters the most is that even through failure you pick yourself up and continue going,” he shared his experience.
But getting started on his journey was no easy task. With no clear path, nor mentors, Filbert found inspiration by watching professional players. “Watching videos of professional footballers, doing some freestyle tricks, especially Ronaldinho, he inspired me and I could see him using freestyle in football.
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