Edílson Capetinha has recalled the hardships he experienced at the beginning of his football career in Espírito Santo. While playing for Industrial, in Santa Maria de Jetibá, the former striker said he sometimes entered the club’s kitchen secretly during the night because the players had no food left after dinner.
He shared the story during an interview on the Boteco do Chula podcast, hosted by former player Aloísio Chulapa. According to Edílson, Industrial relied on contributions from local merchants, market owners, street vendors and other residents to keep operating. The players lived together in a small house, with 10 people sharing a single room.
Meals were served at set times, but hunger often returned during the early hours. Edílson said he was the smallest and thinnest player in the group, allowing him to squeeze through a small opening and reach the kitchen. He would take biscuits, bread and other food, although the items’ disappearance was noticed the following day.
The situation became tense when the cook, known as Brother, realized that someone was taking food. Edílson said the cook eventually brought out a machete and announced that he would sleep in the kitchen to catch the person he believed was stealing.
The former striker recalled that he was relieved to have been warned, since he would otherwise have entered the kitchen that night. He described the episode with humor during the podcast interview.
Industrial marked the start of Edílson’s professional career. He later played for Tanabi and Guarani before joining Palmeiras in 1993. He also achieved prominence with Corinthians, Flamengo and other clubs, and was part of Brazil’s squad that won the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Sources: Globo Esporte.