The making of Gabriel Jesus: how the humble kid from São Paulo became a superstar

The Manchester City striker has risen from the favelas thanks to two guiding lights, his mother and his first coach, who have kept his feet firmly on the ground

Gabriel Jesus’s childhood football coach, José Francisco Mamede, was the least surprised of anyone when the boy‑faced wonder exploded on to the Premier League scene with Manchester City in February. “I always knew he would turn out to be a top professional. When we had him as a boy I predicted he would turn pro, play for Brazil and get a big overseas transfer. It all happened exactly as I knew it would. Well, it looks like I need to make another prediction now: Gabriel Jesus will win the Ballon d’Or within three years.”

Jesus has barely stopped scoring or impressing since that February night, interrupted only by a foot injury last season, and if City have the look of serious title contenders that is in no small part down to the 20‑year‑old forward.

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SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
posted by CAMPUS94