From jeers to ‘Mohamed Sara’: how São Paulo fans changed their tune | OneFootball

Gabriel Sara’s early career at São Paulo was shaped by both adversity and perseverance, as recounted in a recent episode of Bola da Vez ESPN, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. Now enjoying a period of stability with Galatasaray, Sara reflected on the rocky beginnings of his professional journey in Brazil, where his relationship with the Morumbi faithful was, at times, anything but smooth.

Sara, a product of São Paulo’s Cotia academy, was handed a starting role by then-manager Fernando Diniz during the 2020 Brazilian Championship, just after the fourth round. While Diniz saw potential, the decision split the fanbase. Criticism on social media was sharp and memorable—one phrase in particular, “If Sara is a footballer, I’m an astronaut,” encapsulated supporter skepticism at the time.

Despite the barrage of doubts, Sara did not let the criticism undermine his development. He credits his father’s advice for keeping his outlook pragmatic. “He taught me that football is emotional. You can’t ask fans for patience. It’s not that they hate me, they just want me to play well,” Sara shared. With nearly a decade in the club’s system, he already understood what São Paulo’s passionate supporters demanded.

The turning point in his reputation came during a standout performance—one that shifted the tone of the conversation among fans. It was on this occasion that the nickname “Mohamed Sara” surfaced, a nod to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. What began as a playful comparison soon turned into a symbol of recognition, marking Sara’s progress and warming sentiment toward his efforts on the pitch.

Sara’s journey highlights the oscillating nature of footballers’ fortunes at São Paulo—a club where young talents often face immense expectations but can win over the crowd through resilience and performance. His ability to absorb pressure and channel criticism constructively serves as a model for academy players navigating the transition to first-team football.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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