Player still does not have a specific date for returning to training; Meanwhile, Bahia remains focused on fighting for a place in the next edition of the Libertadores in the Brasileirão
His story exposes the strength and vulnerability of an athlete accustomed to living under pressure – but who, this time, faced a very different opponent. The midfielder told how he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, shortly before the final of the Copa do Nordeste, and how he transformed the scare into faith and reflection.
“It was scary. At first, I couldn’t even say the word cancer. It’s very strong. When I heard the diagnosis, I went to my room and cried alone”, admitted the player in an interview with Fantástico and ge. “Then I called my wife, and together we figured out what to do. It was a long road to get to this moment.”
The exam that revealed the disease was part of Bahia’s medical routine. According to the director of performance and health, Natália Bittencourt, the biannual tests made it possible to detect changes at an early stage. “With Everton it was no different. We were able to identify the signs and, from there, define the treatment step by step”, he explained.
Even though he was shaken, the player chose to continue with the delegation for the game. “They made me feel comfortable not traveling, but I wanted to go. I wanted to cry where I had to cry. I knew that from one day to the next nothing would change,” he said. Meanwhile, his wife, Marília, contacted doctors and organized the investigation into the case.
Marília recalled the shock and the instinct to resolve. “When he called, I expected to hear that everything was fine. But he said: ‘It’s malignant’. It was desperate, we had no reference. I hung up the phone and thought: ‘I’ll find a way to solve it'”, he reported. At night, the couple was already consulting specialists in Rio de Janeiro.
The surgery, carried out days later, was a success. Everton is recovering well and should undergo further assessments in the coming weeks. The midfielder thanked him for the medical support and care he received. “I had an incredible team, doctors who reassured me, friends, fans and, of course, my wife. She was my support in everything.”
More calm, the player turned the experience into learning. “We reflect. Without health, nothing can move. I have faith and I know that God takes care of us. Sometimes, he uses us without us understanding. Now it’s time to enjoy family, take care of myself and continue with courage.”
Everton Ribeiro still does not have a specific date for returning to training. Meanwhile, Bahia remains focused on fighting for a place in the next edition of the Libertadores in the Brasileirão. In sixth place, with 43 points, the Bahian team faces arch-rival Vitória this Thursday, at 9:30 pm, at Barradão, for the 28th round.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
Published by Nátaly Tenório
