Enzo Ferndes played a key role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, growing from a substitute to becoming a key player in the winning team.
After impressing with his goal against Mexico, he earned a starting spot, played in midfield and was named the best young player of the tournament. But before the glory, he opened up about his psychological research and the impact therapy had on his life.
Enzo opens up about his experience seeing a psychologist
The Chelsea midfielder has spoken candidly about the impact his mental health and treatment has had on his personal and professional life, especially just months before playing in his first tournament.
“I started about two or three months before the World Cup and it really changed my life,” Enzo said in an interview with streaming channel Luzu TV. “I had never been to therapy before. Therapy changed my life because I started expressing myself and talking to someone about what was going on with me, what I was feeling, what I was doing every day, and what happened to me when I felt that way.”
In the interview, he explained that he started with a group session led by Giuliano Pagano and shared his experience with players from the Argentine First Division before starting individual sessions.
“It helped me develop self-awareness. I explained to him what was going on with me after practice or after a game when I was frustrated,” Enzo revealed.
Over time, he said he felt more prepared, confident and more balanced, to the point where he considered therapy an integral part of his daily life. “Now, I honestly can’t live without therapy,” he said.
Additionally, Enzo sent a clear message, especially to young people. Seeking professional help is not a weakness, but an important tool in your personal and professional development.
I want to take this moment and this opportunity to tell young people to realize that there is a solution to everything and that they can talk to trained professionals.
At a time when football is increasingly putting mental health in the spotlight, as evidenced by testimonials from Dave Martinez, Ronald Arrajo and Jude Bellingham, Enzo’s words add to the trend of elite athletes breaking down the stigma and valuing mental health as much as physical fitness.
