“I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2004. As a typically tall kid, I was encouraged to play basketball, which sparked my interest in American sports, leading me to discover football. Although intrigued by the game, I never joined a team until 2022 when a friend invited me to attend a Cavaliers practice. It was then that I truly fell in love with the sport”.
That's how Pedro Leite, Offensive Lineman for the Alcobendas Cavaliers of the Spanish LNFA Serie A, starts talking about his story. He is a young kid from Brazil who moved to Spain while in High School. He then discovered the sport of American football, where in less than two years of playing, he is climbing up the ladder and making a name for himself to become the next great Offensive Lineman to come out of Brazil and Spain.
A Quick Background Check
Measuring at 1.92 m tall, Leite plays mostly right tackle, but he is an athletic prospect who can play anywhere on the offensive line, even having a little bit of experience as a Nose Tackle.
One of his most important accolades up to this point in his career is to be called up to play the World Cup for the Brazilian U20 National Team this upcoming summer. Brazil is a true powerhouse in American football in South America, and this only shows the true potential this young player has.
Pedro Leite has given an interview talking about his football story, achievements and aspirations for the future.
THE THRILLS OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL
What's the most thrilling moment you've experienced on the football field? Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Pedro Leite, Offensive Lineman of Alcobendas Cavaliers. I think the most thrilling moment was when I won my first game with the Cavaliers. It was my first official game with the senior team, and I experienced what it is like to be a Serie A player and play against the best of the best this country has to offer. And being one of my first experiences with the Senior team of Alcobendas, it is really a special moment for me.
Early Life and Career
Where did you grow up, and how did your childhood influence your love for football? How did your journey in football begin?
My story with football is brief, to be honest. When I was younger, I had little interest in the sport, but I couldn’t apply to any team in Brazil. Everything changed in the summer of 2022 when I received a call from a friend (Juan Martínez, current teammate), asking me to join him in the Cavs offseason training camp, and I just fell in love with it right away. After that, I just discovered a new family here in Spain, starting from the bottom with zero knowledge on the Junior team, to climb up the ladder and play alongside the veterans of the Senior team in the first division.
Career Highlights
What is your current role within your team or the league and how do you see It evolving?
It’s just my official rookie season with the Senior team, but in the future, I want to make the Cavaliers one of the best teams in Spain and be a legend like other players who have been here. Basically, to embrace this team and mark the right way for the future, and future newcomers as well.
Can you share some standout moments in your football career? What are some of your proudest achievements or records in your career?
As I said before, I don’t have a long history in Alcobendas, but what I am proudest about is to have been invited to play with the National Team of Brazil. It was a dream I had, and it is a way to confirm that I am improving and getting better at my position. Also it’s a huge honor to say that I was called by the Spanish National Team too, but because I don’t have the nationality yet, I’m not eligible.
Get to Know Pedro
Are there any personal challenges you've faced that have shaped your journey? What motivates you on and off the field? Any hobbies or interests outside of football?
In my first season in 2022/2023, I was facing a tough time in my personal life, and football was the only thing I had to relieve myself. I didn’t need to think about anything besides training.
Talking about my personal life, at the moment I'm a biomedicine student here in Madrid, but I’m thinking about switching to general medicine. My aspiration is to become a doctor in the future.
Have there been any personal moments that have shaped your journey?
I believe the game that changed me as a player was last year against Osos de Rivas. It was one of my first games ever. We were tied, but we ended up losing. This experience helped me realize I was not playing aggressively enough, making me understand that technique is not always the most important thing, and that if you want to win you have to hit hard.
Final Words
In your own words, how do you think you've impacted the sport of football? What message would you like to leave with our readers?
The message I would like to convey is basically to keep working. Two years ago, I hardly knew what football was, but today I play in one of the best teams in Spain and will participate in a World Cup this summer. If you really love the sport, focus on enjoying it and work hard; improvement comes every time.
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