In the latest installment of Liga Portugal`s insightful “Sem Filtros” series, Dutch international winger Ola John offers a compelling look back at his formative years in Portuguese football. From the demanding training grounds of SL Benfica to the fervent stands of Vitória SC, John`s narrative is a testament to the challenges and triumphs that shape a professional athlete`s career, both on and off the field.
A Young Talent`s Leap into the Unknown
Ola John arrived in Portugal in 2012, a fresh-faced 20-year-old making the ambitious move from FC Twente to the prestigious SL Benfica. For any young professional, a cross-border transfer is a significant step, but as John candidly admits, it`s about more than just football. “When you`re young and you go to a different country, it`s always difficult. Especially when you`re 20. You`re a different person, not just as a footballer. You become a man,” he reflected. This period of transition was marked by the inevitable pangs of homesickness and a formidable language barrier.
“The most difficult part was missing my family. I didn`t speak Portuguese, but the translator was Matić! Whenever the coach, Jorge Jesus, wanted to speak to me, he called Matić.”
The image of a young Ola John relying on future Chelsea star Nemanja Matić to bridge the communication gap with the notoriously intense Jorge Jesus provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of his career at the Lisbon giants. It`s a reminder that even at the highest level, basic human connections and adaptability are paramount – especially when your coach`s tactical genius might be lost in translation without a helpful teammate.
Glory and Growth at the Estádio da Luz
Despite the initial hurdles, John`s tenure at Benfica was nothing short of triumphant. His time with the Eagles saw him contribute to a remarkable haul of silverware, solidifying his place in the club`s recent history. His trophy cabinet from this period includes:
- Three Liga Portugal Betclic titles
- Two Allianz CUPs
- One Taça de Portugal
- One Supertaça
These collective achievements speak volumes about his integration and impact within a highly competitive squad. They represent not just professional success, but the evolution of a young man navigating the complex world of elite football, where personal growth often mirrors on-field victories.
The Passionate Interlude in Guimarães
In the summer of 2018, Ola John embarked on a new chapter, signing with Vitória SC. He spent two seasons with the Guimarães-based club, participating in 45 matches and experiencing a different facet of Portuguese football culture.
“The Vitória SC fans are very passionate. It was crazy, they created a great atmosphere,” John recalled. The vibrant, almost primal energy of the Vitória SC faithful offered a stark contrast to the slightly more reserved, though equally demanding, atmosphere of a capital club. It was a true connection to the raw, visceral heart of Portuguese football, where every chant and cheer resonated deeply with the players.
However, this passionate connection was abruptly disrupted during his second season. “Unfortunately, in my second year, the COVID-19 pandemic started and the stadium was silent, and we really felt that,” he explained. The sudden absence of the roaring crowds, the very lifeblood of the game, transformed the match-day experience from an electric spectacle into a hollow, echoing affair. This segment of his story serves as a poignant reminder of the pandemic`s pervasive impact on sports and human interaction, stripping away the very essence of live spectating.
Reflections from Beyond Portugal
Now plying his trade with Al-Arabi in Saudi Arabia, Ola John`s reflections on his time in Portugal are imbued with the wisdom of hindsight. His journey from a hesitant youngster to a decorated professional, shaped by the highs of silverware and the lows of adaptation challenges, paints a complete picture of a footballing life. The “Sem Filtros” platform provides a crucial space for these personal narratives, peeling back the layers of public perception to reveal the human beings behind the jerseys.
John`s story is not just about goals and assists; it`s about growing up in a foreign land, overcoming linguistic barriers with unexpected help, celebrating triumphs, and feeling the silence of empty stadiums. It`s a compelling testament to the multifaceted experience of a footballer, proving that sometimes, the most interesting stories happen when the filters are off and the reflections are truly candid.
