André Ramalho: “As a footballer I don’t see the real world.”
This story comes from the Life After Football archives, revisiting a conversation with André Ramalho during his early years at PSV. Back then, the Brazilian defender had already spent more than a decade in Europe, living in Austria and Germany before finding his home in Eindhoven. Known on the pitch as a leader, off it he reveals a different side: family-first, thoughtful, and quietly enjoying life away from the spotlight.
A Brazilian heart, an European life
Born in Ibíuna, a small town about sixty kilometers from São Paulo, Ramalho left early with his family but never lost touch with home. “Ibíuna is a municipality about sixty kilometers from the city of São Paulo. I only spent six years there and back then it was a small farming village. A part of my family still lives there, so I definitely still go. It’s very quiet and it really feels like coming home.”
Even in Eindhoven, Brazil is never far away. “To be honest, I’ve met a lot of Brazilians here in the Netherlands. Because of the many international companies in Eindhoven, quite a few Brazilians work here. I even heard that our traditional festival from Brazil is celebrated big here. I like going there, because it always feels good to meet compatriots.”
Lifestyle, balance, and family
Ramalho’s way of life is quieter than many expect from a footballer. “Going out for dinner haha… With the current team we don’t play cards that much anymore, but before we used to play poker a lot. I often meet with the Brazilian guys, for food or just to go out together. I love walking with my dog and at the moment my girlfriend is pregnant, so I’ll have to get used to walking behind a stroller!”
Fatherhood is a challenge he looks forward to. “We are expecting our first child together and we are really looking forward to it. I have to try to find a balance between being relaxed and working hard. We’re expecting a daughter, so we want to teach her to be strong in a world like this. The world is sometimes a bit more complicated for women than for men. As long as she’s healthy and has good character.”
Calm off the pitch
At PSV, Ramalho was handed the captain’s armband within months – proof of his natural authority. Yet, away from the field, he embodies calmness. “On the pitch I carry responsibilities. I feel responsible as an example for the younger guys in the team. On the pitch I sometimes have to be tough. In normal life I don’t get angry quickly at all and I’m actually very calm.”
That outlook has helped him deal with setbacks. “Accepting unfortunate incidents is part of football and I believe everything happens for a reason. For me, for example, it was amazing to win the cup final after twelve long weeks of rehab. That hard work makes me proud and happy. The most important thing is how you deal with such setbacks.”
Looking ahead
Ramalho is settled at PSV, but the thought of returning home never fully leaves him. “I do think about it sometimes, yes. I left Brazil when I was eighteen and I never played there at the very highest level. I also grew up watching all the traditional clubs in our country and it’s something I think about.”
For now, though, his focus is clear. “I have to say the club, the city and the country are really amazing. I don’t see any problem staying longer, but of course it’s football. I don’t like making promises because everything can change so quickly. At this moment I’m happy with everything and my biggest goal is to become Dutch champion with PSV.”
And once his playing days are over? Ramalho imagines a future of learning and discovery. “There is something I can’t do because of my football career, and that is to play many different sports. I love tennis, volleyball and much more! After my career I really want to go to university and learn new things. I see life through the eyes of a footballer, that is not the real world. I’m interested in how life looks outside football. There is so much more and still so much to discover!”
Ready for more?
Want to read more? Check out the exclusive interview with the Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
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