Reymundios Scores a Different Kind of Goal: Ex-Footballer’s Song Tackles Violence & Mental Health in Uruguayan Soccer
Montevideo, Uruguay – July 31, 2024 – In a moving premiere held at the iconic Centenario Stadium, former Uruguayan footballer Leandro Reymúndez, now performing as Reymundios, unveiled his debut single, “Soccer in my blood.” The song isn’t just a nostalgic ode to the sport he played for 14 years; it’s a raw and honest reflection on the growing violence surrounding football and a deeply personal account of his battle with depression, making it a powerful statement resonating far beyond the pitch. This is breaking news for fans of Uruguayan football and those interested in the intersection of sports, mental health, and artistic expression. This story is optimized for Google News indexing and features strong SEO practices.
CREDIT: MARCOS HARISPE
From the Pitch to the Recording Studio: A Journey of Redemption
Reymundios’ journey is one of unexpected turns. After a career that saw him play for clubs like Peñarol and Wanderers, he was forced to retire due to the immense pressure and mental toll the competitive world of professional football took on him. “As a former professional player and a person who suffered a lot and was on the court on that thread of the competition, when I left I realized the gravity that was in me; that was what made me collapse and had to leave what I loved most to heal me,” Reymundios shared with Ovation, a Uruguayan publication. He describes his departure from the sport not as a defeat, but as the best decision he ever made, a necessary step towards healing and self-discovery.
The song itself is a testament to this transformation. Beginning with a recording of the euphoric, yet ultimately unfulfilled, announcement of a goal he scored – a goal that was later disallowed – Reymundios lays bare his vulnerabilities. The lyrics, “I am an ashamed, failed, retired footballer. I am no longer the one of the Cerro, I am no longer that of the Prado; Now I am Reymundios because Jesus has heard me,” are a powerful declaration of rebirth and a rejection of the labels that once defined him.
Addressing a Dark Side of the Beautiful Game
“Soccer in my blood” arrives at a critical moment. Uruguayan football, like many leagues around the world, has been grappling with increasing instances of violence, both on and off the field. Reymundios’ song isn’t a condemnation, but rather a plea for reflection. He acknowledges the competitive spirit inherent in the game, but argues that aggression and disrespect are never justifiable. The video clip, filmed at the Centenario Stadium, visually reinforces this message, portraying the ball not as a weapon, but as a connector, a symbol of unity and shared passion.
Reymundios doesn’t shy away from his own past struggles. He openly discusses the wave of criticism he received after a previous incident involving a dedication to Marcelo Tinelli, a prominent Argentine media personality. That experience, he says, plunged him into a dark period of depression, anxiety, and spiritual turmoil. “In my worst moment… the music came to my life,” he explains. He now views the criticism not as malice, but as a reflection of those still “mired in the earthly world.”
CREDIT: MARCOS HARISPE
A Message of Hope and a Call for Change
Reymundios’ story is a powerful reminder that athletes are human beings, susceptible to the same mental health challenges as anyone else. His willingness to share his experiences is breaking down stigmas and encouraging open conversations about depression and anxiety within the sporting world. The song’s message extends beyond football, offering a universal message of hope and resilience.
He’s also looking to the future, expressing a desire to perform “Soccer in my blood” before the upcoming clásico (classic derby) between Peñarol and Nacional. Reymundios hopes to engage in a conversation with Ignacio Ruglio, a key figure in Uruguayan football, to share a four-page story detailing his journey and the message behind his music. Support from current players like Leo Fernández, Agustín Canobbio, and Ignacio Laquintana, who have already shared the song on social media, demonstrates the growing resonance of Reymundios’ message within the football community.
Reymundios’ transformation from footballer to musician is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the healing potential of art. “We should not be the victims, but the witnesses, that tomorrow there are no longer the fabrics,” he powerfully states, encapsulating the hope that his music will inspire a more compassionate and understanding world, both on and off the field. His story is a compelling example of how personal struggles can be channeled into creative expression, offering a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on Reymundios’ musical journey and ongoing coverage of mental health awareness in sports. Explore our Sports Section for more in-depth analysis and breaking news.
