From collecting cardboard to playing in Italy: what the story of Alejo Barrios is like

Thousands of young people dream of succeeding in professional football. For Alejo Barrios, a young man who went from collecting cardboard to support his family to playing in Italythat dream seemed unattainable. However, with effort and perseverance, he managed to turn adversity into a unique opportunity.

Barrios’ story is an example of resilience in the world of football. While others give up in the face of hardship, he persisted, even when the future seemed uncertain. His journey from the humble fields of Argentine rise Even a team in Italy inspires thousands of young people who share the same goal.

Alejo Barrios’ career

Alejo Barrios was born in Lanús, and grew up in Lomas de Zamora dreaming of playing soccer. He began practicing at the age of five in the Sergeant Cabral club, and later joined the youth categories of Yupanquia promotion club where he remained from 2016 to 2023.

The days of being a young dreamer were a constant challenge. Between training, studies and a parallel jobAlejo juggled to keep his passion for the sport alive. “At that time I did three things: I trained, I worked and I studied the Physical Education teachers”, he commented in an interview. Despite physical and mental exhaustion, he found in this sacrifice a source of strength that would allow him to face greater challenges.

The highest point of his career in “Los Traperos Yupa”. arrived in 2023, when the club managed the first championship of its history under the direction of Adrian Tozzi. Barrios celebrated with his teammates not only the undefeated title, but also the opportunity to face Hurricane in the Argentine Cup. However, that same year, his relationship with the club came to an end: he was released in December, plunging him into professional uncertainty.

To support himself financially, the athlete began working in a recycling cooperative. His day started early at the plant Under Flowerswhere he sorted materials or operated machinery to compact cardboard and other waste. In parallel, he continued playing in neighborhood tournaments on the weekends, clinging to the hope that his opportunity in soccer would come one day.

“You always dream of a door openingbut as time passes, it gets complicated,” he reflected. However, an unexpected call would change the course of his life and his family.

The call to go play in Europe

When Barrios was about to give up on his soccer career, a friend told him about an opportunity in the italian rise. With many doubts and fears at first, he decided to try it. He sent videos of his plays and games, which served as his sports resume. “I didn’t have a representative, but my partner helped me contact someone in Italy. It was crazy that we decided to tryr,” he explained.

After weeks of waiting, the news finally arrived: a club in the Italian Serie D I was interested in him. Without saying anything to his family or friends to avoid false expectations, he organized his trip. “On Friday I notified some people close to me, and on Tuesday I was already in Ezeiza,” he said.

The club that welcomed him was Real Torresein the province of Pescara. Barrios was impressed by the facilities and European style of play, although he also noted significant differences with Argentine soccer. “Here we play more on the floor and the intensity is different. In Argentina we are more temperamental,” he commented with humor.

Despite initial difficulties, Alejo made an immediate impact. In his first four games scored three goals, demonstrating their ability to adapt quickly. However, his contractual and immigration situation still represents a challenge: he occupies a quota as a foreigner and must manage his citizenship to extend his stay.

In the meantime, the club supports him with accommodation, a basic salary and the possibility of additional work. “Whatever comes I see it as positive. If it is something good, welcome; and If there are problems, I have already faced them before”he stated optimistically.