I still remember that Saturday morning, August 31st, 2019 when Johan as a recently-turned 18 year old, was announced by FC Porto as their new youth international signing. Our family was at the nationally acclaimed youth tournament Plano Labor Day (north of Dallas) with Joana and the phone wouldn’t stop ringing. We received congratulatory messages from folks whom we hadn’t talked to in years. Some, casually texted to congratulate me personally (as if it were my achievement), while others casually requested an FC Porto jersey. Eventually, I think we fulfilled every single one of those jersey requests but I digressed…it was at that moment that it truly hit me, Johan (and eventually Jogo) was becoming a public’ish figure.
Just like any other occupation, the career of any professional footballer has its ups and downs; however, being a public figure is a tad different. As an example, it never ceases to amaze us how during difficult times (ex. injuries, lack of playing time, relegation, COVID, coaching changes, etc.), the same “friends/fans” who were extremely supportive in great times, go completely missing during tough times.
We understand that the popularity roller-coaster comes with the life of a footballer which, these days, is magnified by social media. But, from our family’s perspective, it’s probably prudent to share that any type of positive support is (always) more appreciated and welcomed especially during challenging times. I often tell the kids that rough times build character and it is also a time when true friendships are built and strengthened.
Recently, Jogo wasn’t playing much in the first few games of the 2023-2024 La Liga 2 season with his new club. It was understandable, at least for his family, as his loan was finalized late in the transfer window and he wasn’t present for pre-season with his new club. In any case, we hadn’t heard from many fans in a while. But in the last five games, he created an own goal, had two assists (see one below), and then two hockey assists and suddenly, he’s “popular” again.
In conjunction with Jogo’s recent contributions in La Liga 2, US Soccer announced that Johan was called for the US U23 MNT camp in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Suddenly, the calls pertaining to Johan once again, resumed to our family.
This time, it wasn’t only the calls that resumed; our boys youth club Solar, for the first time ever, had an Instagram post dedicated to Johan (and our good childhood friend JT). Honestly, we had never seen his former club recognize either of our boys but hey, kudos of any form are always welcome, especially if it’s convenient for the club as well.
The Olympic camp went well (writing a post on it) and Johan even scored the first goal (below) against a superior Japanese team. Once again, the calls, messages, and tweets were abundant; even the convenient #DTID patreon tweets returned. Please don’t exhaust them all guys, we will need some of those in upcoming tough times.
As a favor to me, direct future congratulatory calls/texts to the boys. In Johan’s case, he’s the one who has fought for these opportunities the most, who went to Europe 4.5 years ago, who likely would have played in the Indonesia 2021 U20 WC until COVID chose to be a life protagonist and has opened doors for his brother and sister. Reach out to him, congratulate him; I am sure he would love to hear from you. Either way, please know that our family TRULY appreciates your support at ALL times but it’s inevitably most needed when footballing life gets tough 6000 miles away from home.
Yesterday, the celebrity world reminded us that public figures are humans and that they sometimes need help too. Mental health is important, don’t wait to reach out to other footballers (American or not) who may be going through difficult times (ex. Tyler Adams, Daryl Dyke, Josh Sargent, etc.). Be present, it can be a difference maker. Until next time #theGomezway #mentalhealth
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