LOOK AT THIS! FORMER FLAMENGO BECAME BUSINESSMAN AND NOW TAKES PLAYERS TO UNUSUAL MARKET

You never know what a player's path will be when he ends his career. While many become coaches, fitness trainers or commentators, others find opportunities off the field. This was the case of Diogo, former player of Portuguesa, Flamengo, Santos and Palmeiras in Brazil, Olympiacos in Europe, and idol of Buriram United in Thailand. Diogo found his new path in business, helping to take Brazilian athletes to Thailand.

"A good communicator", as he defines himself, Diogo told ESPN how entered a completely different world from that of the pitch. When he began thinking about retirement, his initial intention was to become a club director, but the trust of his colleagues in his recommendations led him to become an intermediary in the transfer market.

Diogo gained notoriety in Thailand when he transferred to Buriram United in 2014, where he became an idol with 133 goals in 156 games. He revealed that Brazilian football is greatly admired in the country. "They always ask about players here," said Diogo. "Sometimes, they even joke with some people who don't have the ability to dribble, like a defender: 'That's not Brazilian, no'. They're playful too." With this morale achieved, Diogo began to be consulted during transfer windows, even without planning a professional career as an agent. “If I said I planned it, I would be lying,” he said. "I'm very good at communicating. I always gave advice to younger players, and even older ones too."

Over time, he decided to formalize this activity and, during the pandemic, he founded his own company, DJB2 Sports. His knowledge of the market came from exchanging experiences, especially working with businessman Claudio Guadagno, and from his experience in football. "I saw a lot of things in football. We know what is hard and what is not right. And then, we learn and try to do something different", explained Diogo.  

Currently, Diogo works as an agent not only in Thailand, but also in Malaysia, where he appointed former Fortaleza Bérgson, who made history at Johor Darul Ta'zim. His career as a businessman has lasted almost ten years. His most recent negotiations include three Brazilians hired by Buriram United in July: coach Osmar Loss, ex-Corinthians, midfielder Matheus Vargas, ex-Juventude, and striker Chrigor, ex-Red Bull Bragantino, who played in the last Campeonato Paulista for Portuguese. In January, Bissoli, revealed by São Paulo, also joined Buriram on the recommendation of Diogo.

Although Buriram United is one of the most important teams in Thailand , Diogo recognizes that adapting to local culture can be a challenge. Therefore, he values ​​transparent communication with the players he recommends. "I said: 'You're going to go through this, face this difficulty, but there's a side that it's going to be good for you too'. (It's) just straight talking", revealed Diogo.

"It's not just about wanting to make money there on the committee. I think that makes all the difference. (Speaking about) Buriram, I went through what the club is like, how it works and what the president is like," he added. Thus, Diogo demonstrates that a player's career can follow unexpected and rewarding paths, helping to build bridges between cultures and markets in the world of football.

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