2025 A Year in Review
A Two-Week Pause That Meant Everything
A Year in Review from Canada to Portugal
Taking two weeks to come back to Canada wasn’t about stepping away from football — it was about resetting so I could keep chasing it.
After months of living and training in Europe, that break hit differently. Being back with my family, seeing my girlfriend, and laughing with friends I grew up with reminded me why I started playing in the first place. Football has taken me far from home, but home is still what keeps me grounded.
That time away was needed mentally and physically. The season has been intense, the expectations high, and the grind constant. But even on break, football doesn’t fully stop. Light training sessions, recovery work, and staying sharp were all part of it. You don’t lose two weeks — you manage them. Rest your mind, protect your body, but stay connected to the game.
That balance matters more than I ever realized.
The Season So Far: A Perfect Record, A Real Challenge
Coming back to Portugal, the season had already taken shape in a big way.
At SU Sintrense, we’re 12–0. On paper, that sounds easy. In reality, it’s been one of the most competitive environments I’ve ever been part of.
Training sessions are harder than some matchdays. Every spot has to be earned. Every week is a fight just to be in the squad.
From earlier blogs, I’ve talked about:
Training intensity that pushes you to your limit
Fighting for roster spots against teammates who are just as hungry
Learning that mistakes in training are part of growth, not something to fear
This season, I’ve been rostered consistently and earned minutes. Some games it’s 10 minutes, some closer to 30 — but every minute matters. Every substitution is trust from a coach. Every appearance is a step forward.
That’s progress.
2025: A Year of Transition
If I had to sum up 2025 in one word, it would be transition.
Moving from Canada to Europe at 15 was already a massive leap. This year was about settling into a new football culture, new expectations, and a new level of professionalism.
There have been so many positives:
Playing in a competitive U19 environment
Learning what real accountability looks like
Being part of a winning team
Feeling myself level up week by week
But it hasn’t been easy.
There were moments of doubt. Times when minutes were limited. Weeks where progress didn’t feel obvious. Being away from family, missing big moments back home, and learning how to manage pressure at a young age — that’s the part people don’t always see on Instagram.
This year taught me that growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet consistency.
Why the Break Mattered
That two-week reset in Canada gave me perspective.
It reminded me that football doesn’t define my entire identity — but it does require my full commitment when I’m back. I returned to Portugal refreshed, motivated, and grateful for where I am.
Those breaks aren’t weakness. They’re fuel.
And they help you come back ready to push again.
Looking Ahead to 2026
My goal for 2026 is simple — but not easy.
I want more minutes.
I want to earn a start.
That means:
Winning battles in training
Being reliable every single session
Continuing to earn trust from coaches and teammates
Staying patient while pushing harder
Nothing is guaranteed here. And that’s what makes it real.
Final Thoughts
This year has shown me that the road to living your football dream is never straight. It’s full of highs, lows, setbacks, and moments that test you.
Being 12–0 as a team is special. Getting minutes in that environment is something I’m proud of. Taking a break to go home reminded me how important balance is.
As I head into the next year, I’m grateful — for the opportunity, the struggle, the support, and the chance to keep proving myself.
The journey continues.