Before shining on the fields of the East, Léo Souza began his journey in Brazilian football. Born in Sorocaba (São Paulo), the forward started in the youth teams at Red Bull Brasil, then went through Corinthians and Ituano, until he arrived at Santos in 2016. A boy from Vila Belmiro, the center forward played in 16 matches for Peixe and scored three goals, in the Under-20 and Under-23 categories.
In 2018, he joined japanese side Gainare Tottori and went on with his career in the East. His last club was Zhejiang Pro, but his contract ended. Sambafoot interviewed the Brazilian, known as Prince of Asia.
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You have historical numbers in Asian football and every season you manage to consolidate a little more. How do you explain your trajectory in a country with a culture completely different from Brazil?
“Here in Asian football, I had the greatest opportunity of my life. This opportunity, in fact, that I never received in Brazil. When I arrived here, I was practically without a market in Brazil. I would have to play in the Paulista A3 to be able to appear and grow until a more prominent club. With that, I went after my dreams here and was received in the best possible way. It was the best choice of my life.”
You played in three Asian Leagues. What are the differences between them?
“I see the Japanese League as the most difficult, without a doubt. In it, from the forward to the goalkeeper, everyone needs to defend, so it’s very compact. The Korean League has a lot of physical contact. The Chinese League seems a bit like the Brazilian League due to the characteristic of individual plays. They are different Leagues, but all with their qualities. Asian football has been on the rise in recent years and this is noticeable.”
We recently had an inquiry from São Paulo about your football. Do you think about returning to Brazilian football? Your contract with Zhejiang Pro has ended…
“I can’t say ‘never.’ I am very happy with São Paulo’s interest, it is a huge club, coming off an important title in Brazil. But I can say that today I am a fulfilled athlete here in Asia, I feel happy, I have been building my story here. I can’t keep thinking about hypotheses, but rather about the reality of the moment. That’s what matters. If a formal proposal comes up, then I have to sit down with my family and think about what’s best for all of us.”
You were nicknamed the ‘Prince of Asia’ for your goals and achievements in Asian football. How do you deal with this idolatry?
“It’s even funny because as I said above, if I had continued in Brazilian football, it would have been a much longer and more complicated process. That’s why I identified so much here. I was able to build my story and I am very grateful to the Asian people. In all the Leagues where I’ve been, I was well received by the fans. Of course, the goals help (laughs). It’s easier to create an identification when the field helps.”
You were the top scorer for Zhejiang Pro and made it into the Championship Selection. Can you evaluate the season?
“Individually, it was a great season. Receiving the top scorer award and making it into the Championship Selection is very important. I am sad that we didn’t manage to win the title, we did everything for it. We finished eight points behind the champion… I think it would have been the icing on the cake to crown a perfect season.”
You came up through the ranks at Santos. The club ended up being relegated and will play in the second division. How do you see this scenario at the club? Did you follow it?
“Yes, yes. I followed it. It’s very sad to see a club as big as Santos go through this situation. I was in the youth system there, I know a lot of people, I was upset, of course. I hope that the club can rise up as quickly as possible. Santos has a unique history and I’m sure it will come back even stronger.”
