Abstract
This study looked into the construction of the professional trajectories of players from Brazil’s national soccer team. Interviews were conducted with six male players who were part of the first team of clubs that play in the first division of the Brazilian Championship. Inclusion criteria: minimum of two years as a professional player and at least one call-up to the Brazilian national team. Athletes were interviewed individually. According to the analysis of the interviews, soccer is a central theme in their lives, and their families play important roles in the sports context. The importance of psychological skills for those who reach the elite of professional soccer and the Brazilian team is confirmed. Understanding the trajectories of elite athletes in sports is important for the advancement of sports science.
Keywords:
Professional Competence; Soccer; Athletes; Psychology, Sports