Reach the top of the soccerplay in important clubs like River Plate and experiencing the fervor of thousands of fans is the dream of many players. However, the retirement of this sport can bring with it emotional and economic challenges that few anticipate. For some, this abrupt change plunges them into a deep personal crisis.
This is the case of Franco Mirandaa former soccer player who, after a promising career, faced the depression post retirement. His story is an example of reinvention and resilience, managing to overcome the darkest moments and finding his purpose in an unexpected field.
How was the career of Franco Miranda, former River footballer
Born on May 13, 1985 in Comodoro RivadaviaFranco was one of the many boys who showed their passion for football from a young age. He started playing baby soccer and, at the age of nine, he made the leap to the big grass by signing for the Children’s Activities Commission (CAI) from his hometown. His talent led him to be considered by clubs such as Racingalthough his destiny would change after a trip to Italy and a test with River.
In January 2002, at just 15 years old, the talented young man arrived at the Millionaire’s pension, a place that would not only shape him as a player, but also as a person. “My mother asked me if I wanted to stay, and when she saw that the school was inside the club, she let me,” he said.
His debut in First Division He arrived at a difficult time for the club. Between 2003 and 2005, he played in the Opening and Closing Tournament, adding participations that, although limited, allowed him to be crowned champion. He was the first Comodoro Rivadavia footballer to wear the River shirt in the highest category.
“From my time at the club I am left with the experience of playing in an elite club, to fulfill the dream of playing in the First Division for a club that is one of the largest in the world. Furthermore, the club educated me as a teenager and left me with many friends that I still have to this day, when I play in the Senior League,” he summarized his experience.
After his time at Millonario, his career took him to various teams in Argentina and abroad. He played in Racing, Helsingborgs IF of Sweden, St Mirren FC of Scotlandand other clubs like Chacarita, CAI, Tiro Federal and Patronato. Finally, he retired in United Youth in 2017, closing a cycle that left him with learning, but also unexpected challenges.
Franco Miranda and his life after football
The retirement marked a turning point in the athlete’s life. At the age of 31, after an injury and with offers that were not financially viable, he decided to leave football. However, this abrupt change plunged him into a deep depression. ““Football left me as much as I left it.”he confessed, alluding to the void that many players face when hanging up their boots.
The first year off the court was especially difficult. Without academic training or experience in other fields, Miranda did not know how to direct her life. “I spent a sabbatical by force, not knowing what to do with the money he had earned,” he admitted. It was at that moment when a talk with his brother, owner of a dealership, gave him an idea to reinvent himself.
He decided to venture into automotive worldr, a sector completely foreign to his career, but which offered him a new beginning. With determination, he embarked on a path that allowed him to not only overcome his emotional problems, but also build a stable future.
“I was very bad, very bad. I had retired from football a while ago and one day I put on a suit and went to ask for a job at a car dealership.. I was honest, I told them I didn’t know anything and if I didn’t do well, after the first month I would leave on my own. And that’s how I started.” He explained about his first steps outside of sports.
What does Franco Miranda do today?
Today, Franco found a balance between football and his new purpose. After a successful stint as a salesman and consultant in the automotive industry, he decided to return to his roots. Currently, he is a FIFA agent, helping young footballers build their careers on and off the pitch.
“I realized that I could apply everything I learned as a soccer player in sales and management,” explains Miranda, who combines his soccer experience with his negotiation skills. In addition, he dedicates time to training players not only in sports, but also personally, seeking that his experience serves as an example.
Although his business in the automotive sector continues to operate, the former soccer player focuses almost entirely on talent representation. “I enjoy working with young people because I don’t depend on this to live; I do it out of passion“, he says. His path shows that, even after difficult times, it is possible to find purpose and build a fulfilling life outside of sport.
Source: Ambito
