In an inspiring revelation about his childhood, Murillo, a young defender of the Nottingham Forest football club, has opened up about how a moment in sports history changed his allegiance from São Paulo to Corinthians. The 22-year-old, who once adored São Paulo FC, detailed a pivotal moment during the 2009 Campeonato Paulista final when he decided to become a Corinthians fan after witnessing an extraordinary goal by the legendary Ronaldo.
“Until I was about eight or nine, I was a São Paulo supporter. My father knew this, and whenever Corinthians won, he would tease me. I used to get really upset about it,” Murillo recounted in an interview with ESPN Brazil. That moment of rivalry was soon to pivot dramatically. As he watched the match, Murillo saw Ronaldo dribble past Triguinho and execute a perfect chip over goalkeeper Fábio Costa, cementing a 3-1 victory for Corinthians on that fateful day in 2009.
“I can vividly remember when Ronaldo scored that goal. I ran out from a bar nearby my house, went to my father’s place, changed my top, declaring that from that moment on, I was a Corinthians fan,” he recalled. “After that moment, it was all about being a Corinthians supporter. Ronaldo made me a Corinthians fan that day. I dreamed of playing for that team. I told my father, ‘I want to play for Corinthians one day,’” Murillo shared, visibly emotional about his commitment to his club.
Now, having developed his career through the Corinthians youth system since joining in 2019, Murillo made his professional debut in April 2023. In a short span, he made 27 appearances, scoring one goal for the club before making a significant transfer to Nottingham Forest, for a reported fee of 12 million euros (approximately R$ 64 million at the time).
His performance caught the attention of many, particularly in the Premier League, where he has already participated in 45 matches and scored once. His stature has risen significantly, and he immediately became a critical player for the club, contributing to Nottingham Forest's impressive third-place position in the league.
Murillo’s rising star has recently earned him a selection to represent Brazil, under coach Dorival Júnior. As the Brazilian national team prepares for their crucial clash against Argentina on March 25, 2025, Murillo is set to start. He feels both excitement and responsibility as he embarks on this new chapter: “Playing for Brazil is a dream come true. It’s all coming full circle from that moment when I decided to support Corinthians,” he said.
The Brazilian fans are eager to see how this young defender will perform during this international break, with many hopeful that he can bring the same determination and skill that he showcased in the Premier League.
This transition from São Paulo supporter to a rising star in Brazilian football exemplifies the profound impact a single moment can have. Murillo’s story echoes many fans who found their loyalties shifted by great players and unforgettable games. His journey reflects not just a personal evolution but highlights the rich tapestry of football fandom and how deeply intertwined players become with the identity of clubs.
Ronaldo, known as 'Fenômeno,' has historically been one of the most influential players, marked by his illustrious career crowned with significant achievements, including World Cup victories for Brazil in 1994 and 2002. He is remembered for his time playing for top clubs like Cruzeiro, PSV, and Corinthians, where he retired. His legacy is entrenched in the history of Brazilian football.
The story of Murillo is a reminder that football is more than just a game; it is woven with emotion, history, and the aspirations of countless young players. A moment of magic on the field can inspire generations to follow in the footsteps of their heroes, and for Murillo, it began with that unforgettable chip by Ronaldo back in 2009.
As Murillo prepares to don the iconic yellow jersey and step onto the pitch against Argentina, he embodies hope and ambition, not just for himself but for aspiring young talents across Brazil who dream of making their mark in the world of football.
