Bebe: From Streets of Portugal to Premier League

Read a story in the DMN today about a homeless kid who grew up on the streets of Lisbon and moved into an orphanage at 10 years old. He learned to play soccer on the streets and dreamed of playing in the Homeless World Cup. The shelter had ties to a local club and he worked his way through the ranks, playing 6 pre-season games with a top tier team this year.


Recently, Sir Alex from Man U got word of Bebe, now 20 and went for a look-see. He signed him, real name Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, on the spot and paid an $11.5 million dollar transfer fee. Now, Bebe lives in his own home and is very happy to be with Man U. He was quoted as saying, 'I remember so many nights sleeping on the streets. When I look at what's happened, it's like sports' version of Cinderalla.'


You never know where the streets of life will take you, but with the right idea and a winning attitude, they may eventually be lined in gold.

great story!!!!!!!

Fergie actually never saw him play before signing him. 1st time that ever happened...but continue with your story

And I thought Cindarella stories only happen in the US.

finish1 wrote:Read a story in the DMN today about a homeless kid who grew up on the streets of Lisbon and moved into an orphanage at 10 years old. He learned to play soccer on the streets and dreamed of playing in the Homeless World Cup. The shelter had ties to a local club and he worked his way through the ranks, playing 6 pre-season games with a top tier team this year.


Recently, Sir Alex from Man U got word of Bebe, now 20 and went for a look-see. He signed him, real name Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, on the spot and paid an $11.5 million dollar transfer fee. Now, Bebe lives in his own home and is very happy to be with Man U. He was quoted as saying, 'I remember so many nights sleeping on the streets. When I look at what's happened, it's like sports' version of Cinderalla.'


You never know where the streets of life will take you, but with the right idea and a winning attitude, they may eventually be lined in gold.

You can read the full story of Bebe here along with more about the Homeless World Cup. Here in the USA we have Street Soccer USA which has teams in cities throughout the US including one in Ft Worth. The top US Street Soccer team gets to participate in the Homeless World Cup.

Bebe

You're right, Us2, Fergie met with him and only watched him practice.

Thanks for the link Rock. Never heard of the Homeless World Cup before now. Many paths to salvation. Why not soccer?

Here is a compilation video. Looks like he's fast, can shoot with both feet and can pass on target, and on the ground. His talent is raw. Man U can make him great with the proper training. Maybe someone to look for in the near future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naehgcwmTQo&feature=fvsr

Homeless World Cup and Street Soccer USA are very worthy causes if anyone is looking for a charity to help out.

Also a correction to my previous post, Street Soccer USA sends an all star team of players to the Homeless World Cup not the top team.

Follow the link for the local team in Ft Worth
Ft Worth Team

Very cool. I noticed the donations go to New York. How do we donate locally?

finish1 wrote:Very cool. I noticed the donations go to New York. How do we donate locally?

Andromeda might be homeless, so perhaps you can start there.

Ibystander wrote:

finish1 wrote:Very cool. I noticed the donations go to New York. How do we donate locally?

Andromeda might be homeless, so perhaps you can start there.

OUCH!

Six nil against Aston Villa. Would you credit it!? Already prepared for a sharp landing against Acrington Stanley on Wednesday!

Ibystander wrote:

finish1 wrote:Very cool. I noticed the donations go to New York. How do we donate locally?

Andromeda might be homeless, so perhaps you can start there.

That's the caveat of donations, you never really know where the money goes...

finish1 wrote:Very cool. I noticed the donations go to New York. How do we donate locally?

Contact the main office and ask how you can direct your donations to the local team? Perhaps they can give you contact info for the local coach and organizer.

eastinflatables wrote:Six nil against Aston Villa. Would you credit it!? Already prepared for a sharp landing against Acrington Stanley on Wednesday!

Newcastle? No. Did get your win yesterday, though a slim 3-2 margin. Could be a long year when matched up against the higher seeds.