Table of Contents
- Cicinho Reveals Drinking Issues
- Early Life and Career
- Struggles with Alcoholism
- Recovery and Advocacy
CICINHO disclosed that he “consumed 10 beers a day” and attended training while intoxicated at Real Madrid.
The former Brazil right-back played for the Spanish club for 18 months before transferring in August 2007.
Cicinho earned 15 caps and represented Real Madrid from 2006 to 2007Credit: AFP
Cicinho played during Real Madrid's golden era alongside David BeckhamCredit: AP:Associated Press
He also earned 15 caps for the national team between 2005 and 2006, scoring one international goal.
The athlete opened up about the difficult personal challenges he faced while playing for the team, in which he made 32 appearances.
Speaking to Ressaca on the Brazilian network EPTV two years ago, he discussed his struggle with alcohol during his time in Madrid.
Now 45, he confessed: “If someone asks if I’ve ever trained drunk at Real Madrid, the answer is yes.”
“I drank coffee to mask my breath and sprayed myself with perfume.”
“In my profession as a professional footballer, it was easy. I didn’t need money to buy drinks.”
Regarding how he fell into alcoholism, he shared: “I first tried alcohol at 13, and I never stopped.”
“I grew up in the countryside, and on weekends, I would hang out with friends at squares and clubs.”
“I would ask adults to buy alcohol for me and drank secretly from my parents and the authorities.”
“Alcohol surrounds you with people who enjoy that lifestyle, while those who genuinely care about you are pushed away. When they confront you about it, you don’t want to listen.”
“I have a 15-year-old son, and I constantly apologize to him. At that time, he was just two years old and didn’t fully grasp the situation, but it remains etched in my memory.”
In a 2020 article for the Brazilian newspaper Diario de Sao Paulo, he admitted to drinking “approximately 10 beers a day.”
He also stated: “Additionally, I smoked cigarettes. I smoked for 11 years, from 1999 to 2010. I only smoked when I drank, but considering how much I drank… it was all day.”
Having overcome his alcoholism, Cicinho, who retired in 2018, is now dedicated to helping others.
He said: “Football was just a chapter in my life. Now, my focus is on sharing my story and assisting others to avoid the path I took.”
“I conduct motivational talks. I may not be in a state to play, but my mind is that of a former soccer player, and my body is accustomed to it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Cicinho's experience with alcohol during his career?
Cicinho revealed that he drank around 10 beers daily and sometimes trained while intoxicated during his time at Real Madrid.
How has Cicinho changed after overcoming his alcoholism?
After recovering from alcoholism, Cicinho is now focused on helping others by sharing his story and conducting motivational conferences.
