Did Mahatma Gandhi play football? Story behind this lesser-known player and where is he now

Remember Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires of Brazil? Hailing from a country which is known for stars like Kaka, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Diego Carlos, legendary Pele, Neymar among notable names, the 32-year-old footballer made waves last year with his name which has a direct connection with India’s Father of Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, fondly known as Mahatma Gandhi.

One of the most iconic names among India’s freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi, who used non-violence to free his country from British rule, is an inspiration to millions in the world. Such is his influence, that a Brazilian couple named their boy child after the Indian leader.

Who is Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires?

Having started his professional career in 2011, Mahatma Gandhi made his debut for Atletico Goianiense in Brazil. However, he later played at Trindade, Goiania and Ipora on multiple loan spells. Originally a defensive midfielder, the 32-year-old can also play in the left-back position and as a central midfielder.

Mahatma has played in both the first tier and second tier of Brazilian football and was also a part of the Atletico Goianiense team in 2014 that won the state league – Campeonato Goiano. In that competition, Mahatma made a total of five appearances.

Where is footballer Mahatma Gandhi now?

According to Transfermarkt.co.in, Mahatma Gandhi last played professional football in 2017 for Goiania. His current status in the website stands ‘retired’. Notably, the footballer doesn’t have any social media presence, thus making it difficult to specify his current status.

Story behind Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires’ name?

Based on a RadiaMango report, Mahatma Gandhi’s parents were residents of Goiania – a city in central Brazil and the capital of Goias state. They got influenced by values of Mahatma Gandhi and named their child in the name of the great Indian leader who got assassinated on January 30th 1948.