Dante: “I am completely convinced that I must become a coach”
Speaking from his home in the hills above Nice, the Brazilian defender reflects on life in Europe, the friendships that shaped his career, and the values that guide him off the pitch. This interview with Dante took place in summer 2022, during his time as captain of OGC Nice, capturing a player still competing at the top level while already preparing for the next chapter of his life in football.
Dante has spent much of his career far from his birthplace in Brazil. Yet the question of where home truly is remains more complex than it might seem.
You have now spent almost exactly half your life in Europe. Do you still feel like a guest, or has Europe become your home?
Dante: “Hard to say. I am Brazilian. Always Brazilian. I miss my country. The culture. The philosophy of life in Brazil is different. But here… people have given me so much. It is good to be here. I experienced the best time of my career in Germany, I will never forget that. I learned many languages: I speak French, English, German. So, Europe also feels like home. Let’s say it like this: I am undecided – 50:50.”
Do you sometimes think about returning to Brazil? Are you already making plans?
“Not yet. In our family the children make the decision. As long as they are not yet 18, we stay here. If I suddenly came and said: let’s go, pack your bags – we are going back to Brazil, that would be complicated. Of course, when I think about Salvador I realize how much I miss the city and my friends. But I have to think about my family, my children, my wife. But in a few years, when the children are older and can decide about their lives themselves, why not?”
Do you have much contact with teammates and colleagues here in France?
“Yes, I do. But we never have enough time. The little time we have, we spend with our families. But of course, I still have many friends. I often met Naldo, he played at Monaco. I would like to see Josuha Guilavogui more often. I also see Jérôme Boateng too rarely. On the pitch we meet, yes. But I would also like to see him privately again. Contact with former teammates is important to me, it is always nice to meet them.”
Even as his playing career continues, Dante has already been preparing for what comes next. Coaching and leadership within football are clearly part of his long-term vision.
What about the time after your playing career? Can you imagine taking on another role in football?
“Definitely. I simply cannot see myself outside football. Not many people know this: three years ago I started working on my coaching license. I now have the A-license. That means I am almost finished. I only need the Pro license. Within two years I should have it. I enjoy it enormously. When I lead sessions with young players, I talk a lot with them. When they listen to you and are grateful, it is an incredible feeling. I like to share my experience and help them develop. Being able to do that is a gift. I am completely convinced that I must become a coach. But you never know at which level. Still, I will do everything to become a very good coach.”
So you could also imagine starting at the lowest level? In youth football, at a small club?
“Exactly. You have to be patient and be able to start from the beginning. Even if you played at a high level yourself, that does not guarantee that you will automatically become a good coach. Communicating with the teammate next to you on the pitch is one thing – but speaking in front of 25 people is something else. Being a coach is simply a completely different job. Some players learn best when you explain everything in detail, others only learn when you show them exactly yourself.”
You have worked with many different types of coaches: Favre, Guardiola. Who influenced you the most?
“All of them. Also Jupp Heynckes. The way he cares for people, on a human level. It is incredible. He is like a father. Guardiola is a master of tactics. He knows more than everyone else. That is clear. Favre is simply football: beautiful football, efficient football. I always benefited from all of them. I understood things, adapted things, learned a lot. To become a good coach, I therefore also have the best possible foundation.”
Away from football, Dante speaks openly about discipline, family and planning for the future. The principles that shaped his career also guide how he lives.
Do you think with the same discipline outside football?
“Yes, of course. In life you have to plan everything. So you are not surprised. Whoever has no plan has it harder. You can also have luck, but in my case everything is planned. Finances too. My children go to good schools, that is important to me. For that money must be planned in advance.”
Have you invested in the future, something like retirement planning?
“Of course. That is important. I have three children. They are the future. Hopefully they still have many years ahead of them. I invested in real estate. Stocks are not really my thing. But reserves are important. I want to keep playing for a while, but I want to live even longer. That must be secured.”
You were an ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages. Are you still active in social projects?
“Not as actively anymore. After my move to France we lost contact, which hurt me because I love children. I love supporting them. But even if I am no longer active for SOS Children’s Villages, I do a lot here. I support families who do not have enough money. Helping and supporting is one of the keys to our lives.”
Ready for more?
If you liked this Life After Football interview with Dante, check out the exclusive interview with fellow Brazilian Antony and his first steps in Europe here.
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