57-year-old Jose Becker was out for a swim in his local dam and tragically drowned, with the police confirming the incident was accidental and there was no foul play involved.
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In what has been a difficult year for so many families all over the world, the latest piece of news comes as yet another reminder of how the sporting fraternity can pull together and there have been messages of support for Alisson from football clubs across the globe.
Inspirational father
It has been a meteoric rise for Alisson, who was encouraged by his father Jose to follow his dreams and along with his brother Muriel they have been two of the most successful Brazilian goalkeepers in recent history. With a junior career in the shadows of his older brother, Alisson had to be patient to get his chance at the top level of the game–making his debut for Internacional at the age of 20, where he was understudy to Muriel.
Jose’s encouragement was crucial in Alisson’s development and his performances earned him a move to Roma for £7 million, where he competed for the number one spot with former Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Conquering Rome and Merseyside
Once again, Alisson was made to wait for his chance with Roma but established himself as the club’s number one between 2016 and 2018 and within just one full season at the club, had earned suitors from the world over.
His performances in the Italian capital earned Alisson a move to Liverpool, for almost £70 million–at the time, a world record fee for a goalkeeper. In his two full seasons with the reds, Alisson won both the Premier League and Champions League, instrumental in the club’s development under Jurgen Klopp.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Social media has been awash with well-wishers once the tragic news about Alisson’s father broke, with Liverpool’s Official Twitter account quick to tweet the infamous YNWA mantra. Premier League rivals Manchester City, Everton, and Chelsea all took to their socials to offer their support for Alisson and his family at this understandably difficult time.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Alisson Becker’s father, Jose, in Brazil on Wednesday.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2021
The thoughts of everybody at the club are with @Alissonbecker and the Becker family at this incredibly sad and difficult time ❤️
Along with his brother Muriel, Alisson has forged a reputation as a fierce competitor on the pitch and an ambassador for the game off it and whilst he is enduring a tough period in his personal life, he will know he has the full footballing family supporting him.
