With a well-traveled career that spanned 17 years, Felipe Martins reflects on his journey, both the successes and the setbacks. At 17 years old, Felipe Martins’ life was about to change forever. Li...
With a well-traveled career that spanned 17 years, Felipe Martins reflects on his journey, both the successes and the setbacks.
At 17 years old, Felipe Martins’ life was about to change forever. Like many Brazilians before him, he was about to make the jump to Europe to kickstart his football career, signing with Italian club Padova in 2008.
But just as things were about to take off, there came a setback that could’ve defined, and potentially ended, his career. After just five appearances with Padova, a minor heart defect caused the club to release Martins, forcing the young midfielder to confront the possibility of giving up professional football altogether. For many players, such news would have been devastating, but Martins wasn’t ready to give up.
Instead of hanging up his boots, Martins forged a 17-year career that saw stops across Switzerland, the United States, Canada, and a final stint back home in Brazil.
In this exclusive interview with Urban Pitch, the recently retired player reflects on his international journey, the health setback that nearly derailed his career, working with coaches Eddie Howe and Jesse Marsch, and the evolution of football in North America.
Urban Pitch: You left Brazil at a young age to pursue football in Europe. What were the biggest challenges you faced when moving from Brazil to Italy, both on and off the pitch?
Felipe Martins: Leaving Brazil was a dream, but also a shock to the system. On the pitch, Italian football demanded a level of tactical discipline I had never experienced. In Brazil, creativity is encouraged naturally; in Italy, creativity has to exist within structure. You are constantly thinking about positioning, timing, space, and responsibility without the ball.
Off the pitch was even harder. I was very young, far from my family, learning a new language and a new culture, and dealing with loneliness for the first time. There were moments when football was the only thing keeping me grounded. That experience forced me to mature quickly and understand that talent alone would not be enough, I had to become mentally strong.
Many young players dream of moving to Europe. What advice would you give to a young Brazilian midfielder who wants to follow a similar path?
Don’t romanticize the journey. Europe is not easy. You will face competition every day, criticism, pressure, and moments when you question yourself. You must be willing to learn tactically, culturally, and personally.
Learn the language. Respect the culture. Be humble. And understand that your reputation is built in training long before it is built on match day. Coaches trust players who are reliable, disciplined, and consistent, not just talented.
At Padova, you were released early in your career due to a minor heart defect. How did you process such a difficult moment at such a young age?
At that age, it felt devastating. I had left everything behind to chase this dream, and suddenly I was told it might be over, not because of my football ability, but because of something I couldn’t control.
I remember feeling fear, confusion, and disbelief all at once. In that moment I was alone, young, and didn’t have the emotional tools to process it properly. But after the initial shock, I realized I had two choices: feel sorry for myself or fight to continue. That moment tested not just my love for football, but my identity.
How did that experience shape your mentality and motivation moving forward?
That experience shaped everything about who I became as a player and as a person. After that, I stopped taking anything for granted. Every training session felt like a privilege. Every opportunity mattered.
It also gave me perspective. Once you face the possibility of losing your career at such a young age, pressure feels different. Big games, criticism, and setbacks don’t scare you in the same way anymore. I learned resilience early, and that stayed with me throughout my entire career.
Did you ever consider giving up the sport after that setback, or did it push you even harder?
Giving up was never really an option. Football was part of who I was. If anything, that setback pushed me even harder. It gave me a quiet determination. I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone else, just to myself. From that point on, I trained with intention. I understood that careers are fragile, and if I wanted to last, I had to maximize every single day.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
You had a trial with Bournemouth when Eddie Howe was still a very young coach. What were your first impressions of him?
What stood out immediately was his clarity. Even though he was young, he knew exactly what he wanted from his team. Training sessions were well planned, detailed, and demanding, but also very clear. Players always knew their roles. He communicated calmly but firmly. There was no ego, just football. That combination immediately earns respect.
Today, Howe is one of the most respected coaches in England. Did you see early signs of that potential?
Yes, without a doubt. You could see that he understood the modern game early. The balance between tactics, intensity, and man-management. He didn’t just coach the team; he built trust with players.
That ability to connect with players while still demanding excellence is what separates good coaches from great ones. Eddie had that even then.
What do you remember most vividly from that trial period in England?
The competitiveness. Every drill felt like a game. The physicality, the tempo, the mentality, nothing was casual. You had to earn everything. It taught me that English football values intensity and honesty. You don’t hide, but compete.
You played in Italy, Switzerland, the U.S., and Canada. How different were the football cultures and playing styles in each country?
Italy taught me tactics and discipline. Switzerland emphasized organization and physical preparation. The United States is fast, transitional, and extremely athletic. Canada blends European structure with North American energy and a growing football identity.
Each country challenged a different part of my game and forced me to adapt.
What was the biggest tactical or physical adjustment when moving from Europe to MLS?
The pace and the space. MLS games open up quickly, and transitions are constant. Midfielders must cover ground, defend large spaces, and still arrive in the final third. Physically, it is relentless. Tactically, you must think faster because situations change very quickly.
Photo by Scott Wachter/Getty Images
You played for several MLS clubs. What made each city and fanbase unique?
Montreal felt like a European football city — emotional, intense, and deeply connected to the club. New York was about ambition and pressure. Expectations were always high. Vancouver was supportive and community-driven. D.C. United carried tradition and pride.Austin FC was a truly unique experience — we built a culture and helped the city connect with the team. It felt special to be part of that process. Orlando was pure passion; the fans lived every second.
Each city shaped me in a different way.
Moving between so many teams isn’t easy. How did you adapt so quickly?
Adaptability became a skill. I focused on listening first. Understanding the coach, the locker room, and the culture. I learned that leadership isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s about consistency and professionalism. Being multilingual helped, but being open-minded helped even more.
What was it like working with Jesse Marsch on a daily basis?
It was demanding, both mentally and physically. Jesse sets extremely high standards, especially in intensity and commitment. Training sessions are intense but purposeful. He challenges players to be brave, aggressive, and accountable. If you buy into his ideas, you grow quickly.
Do you see elements of his philosophy reflected in the Canadian national team?
Absolutely. The identity is clear: pressing, energy, courage, and unity. Players believe in what they are doing, and that belief shows in their performances.
What makes Marsch different from other coaches?
His authenticity. He genuinely cares about people. Players know when a coach is sincere, and that creates trust. When trust exists, players are willing to give more.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
How different is MLS today compared to when you first arrived?
It is almost unrecognizable, in a positive way. Facilities, professionalism, tactical quality, and global visibility have all improved dramatically.
What role have international players played in raising MLS’s level?
They brought experience, habits, and higher standards, not just on matchday, but in training, recovery, and preparation.
With the 2026 World Cup coming, what impact do you expect?
It will inspire a generation. Visibility changes everything: participation, investment, and belief.
Could this World Cup transform MLS globally?
Yes. It will be a catalyst. The world will see that North America is not just growing the game, it is ready to host it at the highest level.
Category: General Sports
