Brazil’s Filipe was in pain when he ruptured his knee ligaments, a lot of pain. Yet, the hurt he experienced as a result of an opponent’s wayward foot was nothing compared to the suffering that came a few days later, when the doctor told him how long he would be out of action for. Seven months was the verdict, when there were only eight to go till the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017.

On starting the long road to recovery, the 23-year-old feared he might not be fit in time for what would be his first world finals. “They were a very difficult few months because I couldn’t walk to start with,” he explained. “I was in a lot of pain. But if there’s one good thing I’ve learned from all this, it’s that you need to have a lot of patience, perseverance and faith in God. And that’s something that I’ll put to use in every aspect of my life.”

Then, one afternoon, came the news he had been waiting for, given to him by the same doctor who had handed him that fateful diagnosis months earlier: “I was so happy. I’d gone so long without doing what I like most, which is beach soccer. I was delighted to be able to start playing again.”

Speaking to FIFA.com, Brazil captain Bruno Xavier said: “Filipe’s a young player who’s inspired us a lot. We really felt for him when he got injured and we prayed for him when he was recovering. When he made that recovery he showed how much he wanted to shape his destiny. And his destiny was to be in the Bahamas. He’s got an awful lot to offer the world of beach soccer.”

A goal straight from the heart That date with destiny came against Tahiti, when Filipe was repaid for his determination to fulfil his dreams. “It was really nice payback for everything that happened,” he said. “When the ball hit the back of the net I raised my arms and all these thoughts of my family and friends came into my head. It was a release for me. I felt I was leaving all this behind. The most important thing, though, was not me scoring but the win and the fact I was able to contribute to it by getting the first goal.”

Filipe and Brazil are looking for more, however, namely a fifth world title. Having come back from serious injury, he is up for the fight: “I’ve made a full recovery and I’m delighted to be here. That’s what we’re preparing for. We’re working hard every day to achieve it, and we’re going to give our all to lift the trophy.”