My Father’s Death Broke Me — Liverpool’s Alisson

Liverpool, England —  Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, has opened up about the emotional toll his father’s sudden death had on his mental wellbeing.

The heartfelt revelation came during an interview with TribalFootball, where Alisson reflected on the tragic loss of his father, Jose Becker, who drowned in a lake near their family home in Brazil in 2021.

Alisson described the pain of losing his father as unbearable, noting how deeply the tragedy affected his ability to focus on football.

“When he died, it shattered me. Football became a blur. I had to constantly remind myself that I was even playing,” Alisson shared.

The loss was further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it impossible for Alisson to attend the funeral physically.

He recounted the painful logistics and emotional strain: “Traveling home was nearly impossible. My wife was pregnant, and COVID cases were surging in Brazil. Her doctor advised against travelling, so she stayed in Liverpool with our children. It was heartbreaking for her too because she adored my father.”

Alisson tenderly recalled the bond between his wife, Natalia, and his father: “He loved her like his own daughter. If we ever disagreed, he would always take her side. He used to say, ‘Natalia is right.’ She was the daughter he never had.”

Alisson concluded by saying that despite the chaos of that period, he was grateful for the support system around him, but the pain of his father’s absence still lingers.

The interview sheds light on the personal battles many athletes face behind the scenes, often far from the public eye.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | May 1, 2025