#kindeness

Saudade aperta. Peito dói. Sentimentos afloram ao extremo. Surgem paranóias. Choro. Rio. Essa é uma semana normal. De alguém que tem uma pessoa importante na vida. Uma pessoa que nos faz enfrentar todos os obstáculos da semana, para estar juntos nos findes. Uma pessoa, que faria tudo por ti. Para te ver feliz e te fazer sentir a pessoa mais amada do mundo.

São coisas simples que me fazem refletir, o quão especial somos um para o outro. O quão importante és pra mim. E o quão sortudo sou em ter você na minha vida.

Sou grato por todos os momentos que tivemos juntos. Por tudo que já passamos e enfrentamos. Das horas de alegria e tristeza. Eu posso dizer sem sombra de dúvida que você é a única coisa pela qual eu sou mais grato na minha vida.

Esse olhar em seus olhos quando eu tenho que dizer boa noite torna super difícil para mim se afastar de você. Eu amo tudo sobre você. Estou tão apaixonado, que não conseguiria explicar se eu tentasse.

Meu dia começa e termina com você em minha mente. Me fazes sentir tão bem. Eu quero que você saiba, que você é a melhor coisa que já aconteceu comigo. O jeito como você me trata, eu me sinto muito amado e protegido.

Mesmo nas nossas dificuldades, mas não importa onde, meu lugar favorito é quando estou com você. As vezes eu posso não ter muita coisa, mas o que eu puder fazer para te ver feliz eu farei. Esse é meu objetivo, fazer você feliz.

Cara, nunca ninguém fez comigo o que você já fez. Você é parceiro para tudo e não se importa com coisas simples. E sabes aquela flor que me deu? foi a coisa mais linda que já me deram. Isso só me faz ter mais certeza ainda que é com você que eu quero estar.

Eu quero agradecer a você por fazer minha vida valer a pena. Saber que você me ama é tudo.

I have been coaching kids as a volunteer for a long time. It became a hobby. I incorporate respect, collaboration, reflection and open and honest feedback, from players to the coach and from the coach to the players.

Here is a story for the weekend.

Should a Right/Left Back go up and score goals?

Juliano Belletti, playing as right back, scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal. His goal completed a dramatic 2–1 comeback and gave Barcelona their second European title.

Here’s how the story unfolded:

The match took place at Stade de France in Paris on 17 May 2006.

Barcelona played against Arsenal in the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League final. This was Arsenal’s first time reaching the final, led by their famous manager Arsène Wenger (“The Invincibles”). They arrived unbeaten, with a record ten consecutive clean sheets.

🔴 Arsenal’s Early Lead and Setback Arsenal took the lead in the 37th minute through a powerful header from Sol Campbell, despite being down to ten men after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off in the 18th minute for a foul on Samuel Eto’o. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Arsenal held firm for much of the match.

🔵 Barcelona’s Comeback Barcelona, managed by Frank Rijkaard, kept pressing. In the 76th minute, Samuel Eto’o equalised with a sharp finish after a clever pass from Henrik Larsson, who had come on as a substitute.

⚽ Belletti’s Surprised Arsenal Five minutes later, in the 81st minute, Juliano Belletti, who had come on as a substitute, noticed Larsson moving and found space in the box, then hit a low shot that slipped under goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. This was Belletti’s first and only goal for Barcelona, and it won them the Champions League.

🏆 Legacy and Impact Barcelona won 2–1 and lifted their second Champions League trophy, their first since 1992. Belletti’s goal became iconic, not only because of when he scored, but also for his emotional celebration. He ran in tears, overcome by the moment. Arsenal, despite their strong effort and unbeaten run in the UK, just missed out on European glory.

You can relive the moment in this UEFA video tribute or this match recap.

Socrates’s comments

Should a Right Back go up and score goals?

Yes, it is teamwork. All there should go for it.  Juliano Belletti played as a right back. His goal below showed how a full-back can join the attack at the perfect time, and he secured Barcelona’s 2–1 comeback win over Arsenal. Championship goal!

Yes, many other right and left backs, like Roberto Carlos and Cafu, have also surprised opponents and made a difference. At Socrates Academy, we teach and practice these moves with our kids.

Players on the Bench Participate in the Game?

When you are on the bench, use your time to think about how you can help your team when you get on the field. If you have an idea or feel motivated, talk to your coach. Belletti said that while he was on the bench, he believed he could make a difference in that game.

- Players’ reflections and contributions are encouraged and valued at Socrates Academy.

- Be kind to your teammates and show respect to those on the bench. These are essential values at Socrates Academy.

Do presidents play the game?

A few days before the game, the Barcelona president asked Belletti to invite his parents. Belletti had already invited them, but his father said it was too far to travel. When Belletti called again and explained that the president would pay for their flight and tickets, his father agreed. Belletti was thrilled to have his parents in the stands and said their presence gave him confidence. It just goes to show that the president can make a big difference, too.

Who said the president doesn’t count on the game?

I hope you had fun with this story!

Hugo