When i traveled to turkey, and told the locals i was from brazil, they all responded enthusiastically "Alex de Souza!"

alex de souza was legit one of the most criminally underrated players of all time

As a Fenerbahçe fan, Alex will most likely forever be the spiritual face of this club, similar to how Maradona was to Napoli. And he still interacts with us to this day. Back in June of this year, Fenerbahçe was about to play in the Turkish cup final, after having been trophyless for over 9 years. A few days before kickoff Alex visited the club's Training ground and wished our players best of luck for the finals. We won 2-0 against Başakşehir that day and lifted the first trophy in almost a decade again

So glad you’re covering Alex, this guy got me into Turkish football in the late 2000s. It’s sad how many people are baffled when I bring up his name as one of my top 5 favourite footballers ever. His story needs to be told!! 🇧🇷👑

His nicknames were doctor and professor in turkey. He was extremely intelligent both in the field and outside the field, in interviews etc. He was thoughtful about events happen in turkey. He used to donate some of his wage to families of the turkish soldiers killed by terrorist attacks. He taught his children how to sing our national anthem and would bring toddlers with him before matches to sing with the team and the kids were so passionate it was a joy to watch. According to his translator he would read books for 3-4 hours before matches to clear his mind and he also learnt how to speak turkish really good but he had a bond with his translator Samet that to keep him employed he didn't use turkish in interviews. Besides his personal qualities, he single handedly led Fenerbahçe to 3 titles and 4 runners up. We had 2-3 good players with him each season but many of players in our squads were so bad that if alex wasnt in those teams we wouldnt even see top 3 in those 7 and a half seasons. Besides his contribution to goal, he was like zidane; even if he didn't do statistics, what he did on the pitch was out of this world. He would control the ball and dribble with his both his feet so elegantly that he was called "velvet feet" by commentators. He scored almost 200 goals for fenerbahçe and every single goal is elegant, even watching his penalty goals make you feel satisfied. Also when we played matches in champions league, brazilians in opponent teams like cafu, rivaldo, kaka, emerson, edmilson would come to him, want to exchange words and shirst with him. He would control the ball and dribble elegantly like zidane, contribute to goal like messi, curl the ball beautifully like beckham and he was respected among brazilians like maldini among italians. He also inspired so many kids in fenerbahçe facilities that many players like Arda Güler grew from those facilities in last years.

I’ve watched this with tears in my eyes. He is my childhood hero. I grew up with Alex. Almost every Fenerbahce jersey I have (and I have over 30) is with number 10 and Alex on the back. I don’t care who says what ALEX DE SOUZA was and is the greatest player I have seen in my life. I will never forget him. Legend.. 💛💙💛💙

Just statistically alone, this guy sounds like someone from the 40's. I've lost count of the amount of times he scored and assisted multiple times in finals and big games. After watching this video I watched some of his highlights, and OH MY GOD, it's even more incredible than the numbers, this guy should've been in the Mount Rushmore of Brazilian footballers, absolutely insane. It's crazy that I'd never heard of him like this before, insane how the presence of social media narratives can change the way we look at football from the past. Absolutely incredible video!

As a supporter of Fenerbahce, I can state with pride that young people still play football in the street under the name Alex. Not only being one of the best football player Turkish supporters have ever seen, Fenerbahce also constructed a statue honoring his famous play and personality. His play in Turkey left a generation that would never forget him, and he will live on in our memories forever.

He wasn't kicked out like a dog, we all cried for him, we have a statue of him. No one can say this rude words for him. Alex is the king.

even if they try to constantly screw him over, he still achieved a lot of great things in football. he should definitely be proud of that. No one can take that away from him that's for sure.

I watched him 9 years in the stadium as a Fenerbahce fan and he is still the best player that I have ever watched live. I saw him playing against or together with players such as Drogba, Roberto Carlos, Anelka, Kaka, Ibrahimovic, Shevchenko, Pirlo, Maldini, Cristiano Ronaldo, Cocu, Guti and many more. Yet Alex was too clever for anyone. He played with his brain and his feet were escorting him. You will never be forgotten doctor, we love you!

Just imagine how highly he would be seen by football fans around the world if he ended up at Barcelona and did what he did at Fenerbahce. He would be along names like Ronaldinho, Iniesta, Xavi, Zidane, Gullit, etc... If not a bigger name than them. He honestly was that good! Unfortunately, if you bring his name up to most football fans nowadays they would respond with "who?". Great video! Glad to see he isnt completely forgotten!

This channel is CRIMINALLY underrated. I never knew this player. But now I do. I thank you for telling us about all these criminally underrated players. So many legends who we forgot about. I’m shocked

Alex Cabeção one of the best true 10's that ever existed.

Alex was one of the greatest players here in Brazil, but it's crazy because a bunch of people don't remember that this guy was amazing in the middle of the field.. anyway, great video. I would like to thank you for this content because through podcasts from your channel I could level up my English comprehension. See you in the next one 🇧🇷

Ashamed to say I've never heard of this legendary man. Easily the best story you have ever told. Gracias por tu esfuerzo!

Honestly,after watching the Brazilian legendary player Alex De Souza's sir first part of the video last week,I am still feeling tearful and this video is another exception of how a legendary being sabotaged numerous number of times,mainly from his own manager,good friends!!!LONG LIVE AND LIVE YOUR LIFE PEACEFULLY,ALEX DE SOUZA SIR!!!🏋️‍♂️🙏

I’m a Galatasaray fan, Fenerbahce’s eternal rival. Yet I have huge respect for Alex. It was always a pleasure to watch him play. He was so elegant with the ball and so intelligent. Besides, he was a great sportsman.

Eventhogh the former manager didnt like him he is in every Fenerbahce fans heart💙💛 He is a legend for us. We even made a statue of him. OBRIGADO ALEX❤️

The thing about Aykut Kocaman and Alex is that we never got a straight answer... I have read Alex's book and know his side of the story. Kocaman's side or even the club president's are unknown. I think their silence confirms Alex's story... Regardless, Alex is probably the biggest legend to wear the Fenerbahce jersey. Players with more renowned careers have come and gone, but no one else has made the same impact.

Alex was a couple goals away to become the highest scoring player in Fenerbahce's history. The title is currently held by his "manager" at that time, Aykut Kocaman. He got super jealous of him and did not start him in first eleven because of that. Fans were chanting Alex's name, not his, and he told Alex that he would put him on the bench. Alex did not accept that and his contract was terminated after a series of conversations with president (big fan of Alex). Fans went to Alex's home and try to convince him to not to leave. I remember I cried on that day. Most of the Fenerbahce fans still hate Aykut Kocaman for that. We couldn't give him a nice farewell but we are hoping one day he will be Fenerbahce's manager.

as a Fenerbahçe fan I must say it was an honour to have him in the pitch. the man never slacked a day, never was sloppy during his Fenerbahçe career. an epitome of discipline and fairplay for us.

Bro, this guy was unbelievable and I've never heard of him.

Alex de Souza, our eternal captain and legend. I remember his first ever match in Kadıköy like yesterday, I was in the stadium as a teenager. I remember waving him goodbye with teary eyes as an adult. I remember his son growing up like a member of my own family. The way he left Fenerbahçe was heartbreaking for him and us fans. Thankfully our club tried to make things right almost a decade later. But still, he deserved a proper goodbye.

Como brasileiro e torcedor do Palmeiras, posso dizer que foi sem dúvida um dos maiores que passaram pelo meu time. Ele é ídolo aqui no Brasil de 3 times, algo raríssimo de se ver (ídolo do Coritiba, seu time de infância, do Palmeiras, com quem conquistou a primeira Libertadores da história do time, e do Cruzeiro, com quem ganhou 3 títulos em 1 ano). Todos nós brasileiros sabemos que ele não ter jogado as copas de 2002 e 2006 foi uma completa injustiça.

As a Fenerbahçe fan my whole life, I was heartbroken when Alex was basically kicked out of the team due to Aykut Kocaman. I never got to watch many football games live but I watched some of the games when he was in Fenerbahçe. He was one of the greatest player I’ve ever seen and was only watching games due to him. I think for years after he left, Fenerbahçe tried to look for the next Alex for a few seasons but never found it due to the hole it left with. Yes, they did manage to win the league in 2013/2014, which was Alex’s last pro football year in Brazil. But, that was more due to a play style that was not sustainable for long as it was more akin to an amateur football style. Watching Alex every week was so joyful for me as a child a decade and a few years ago. He was simply a club legend and no one could replace him. I wish he had a much greater success but, maybe he would’ve never been in Fenerbahçe. I wish he left at a high point rather than what happened to him. I hated the management for what they did so much that, I basically stopped following football at that point. Didn’t fully let go of it but, It’s been a while since I watched a single game of football let alone Fenerbahçe games. I think Fenerbahçe at least been good this year so I am happy. I was playing pes 2013 recently just because it was the last time Alex was in Fenerbahçe squad in a game.

Fun Fact: Besiktas bought Kleberson and Ricardinho during his time at Turkey. Besiktas fans were mocking us because they were called up constantly instead of Alex. Dunga, the manager of Brasil himself came to watch him before the 2010 WC and decided to go with Kleberson again. A true crime really... Respect to the Legend

As a Fenerbahçe fan, I can say that Alex is a legend of the Turkish League and Fenerbahçe. If you ask any Fenerbahçe fan about him since his arrival, they will definitely talk about how much they admire him. He was a great football player and a great captain. He was our Doctor. I remember the day he left, all Fenerbahçe fans were kneeling at his feet to prevent him from leaving. Many of them went to his house and chanted for him until the early hours of the morning. When Alex left, we felt sad not just as a football player, but as if a member of our family had left. We had his statue made right after. If you go to KZfaq, you can see how much Fenerbahçe fans loved him in his farewell and unveiling of the statue. Even today, my favorite football player of all time is Alex de Souza. Doctor will live in the hearts of Fenerbahçe fans forever.

First of all, im from Turkey and im a Beşiktaş Fan. I watched more Fenerbahçe games than Beşiktaş games just because of Alex de Souza. Fans called him "doctor" and kids were saying "you are not Alex" if some kid failed to do a pass or failed to dribble past someone. I remind you this is the Era where best dribblers of all time were active players (Ronaldinho, Kaka etc" Sadly, this is Turkey. You simply cant be better than jelous people with connections. Aykut Kocaman never care about Fenerbahçe and there are hundreds of examples in every aspect of life where X person starting to become better than Y person in B Field so someone pulled X's plug. We even have a saying as "No greatness goes unpunished"

As a Galatasaray fan, I enjoyed every minute of this guy on the pitch. Unbelievable player. Legend, truly underrated. And what a fantastic personality.

This story is criminal... you can spend ten minutes watching his skills, studying his stats and you KNOW he was arguably THE best player in the world during his career. Basically, as PURE a footballer you'll ever see and only politics had him fly under the world radar . #legend

I am a 26 years old Fenerbahçe fan and I grew up with watching this guy playing, chanting his name over and over again. I was also playing football at that time and he influenced the way I play. Unfortunately I tore my ACL last month and I probably will not be able to feel ready playing football again, if not physically, at least mentally. He was and is a legend of the club, an idol in my heart, and a mentor in my playstyle. I am one of his countless legacies here. He was a kind of guy who was even liked/loved by our arch rival clubs' fans. I wish I could see him play again.

Fenerbahçe fan here. It is just so hard to express my emotions after whatching this video. Alex is my childhood hero. I don’t know how many times I cried because he left. One more time after the video :) As Fenerbahçe fans, we will never forget Alex. His statue marks this clearly. We will always have negative feelings about the people who seperated him from us. We know he will be back one day as a coach. Seni seviyoruz Alex/ We love you Alex. Our story will continue.

THIS IS THE ONLY STORY THAT HAD ME IN TEARS BY THE END OF THE INTRO. IWAS SHAKING FROM THE GOALS HE SCORED ESPECIALY THE BACK HEEL AND THE ONE IN THE 49TH SECOND OOH GOSH... FOOTBALL IS REALLY CRUEL

It is so refreshing to see justice for Alex. I will never get enough of the goal he scored against São Paulo and as a Palmeiras fan, respect.

Imagine a Player so good and nice, that even the fans of the biggest Rivals of Fenerbahce (Galatasaray & Besiktas) including me, were sad, when he had to leave Fenerbahce, instead of being happy about Fenerbahce losing his best player and getting weaker. You have to know that normally turkish fans are very extreme and usually hate each other from the core of their hearts. So much, that it sometimes affects everyday life. I think that alone says a lot about how great Alex was.

It's so awesome to see this many turkish people talk so many good things about Alex. I feel sad that, even being a kid in the 2000's and being from the same city as Alex, I hardly heard about him during his prime. Props for the content, all your videos are awesome.

A complete Legend, idol of four football clubs, I don't even know if anyone else in the world did that. Coritiba, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro and Fenerbahçe. "They were NEVER the BEST, always the coaches' FAVORITE" - De Souza, Alex.

Thank you for everything Alex! You gave Fenerbahçe 8 brilliant years. No one can play this game like you did. The man that can make an assist with out touching the ball. Maybe the world will not remember your unmatch talent, creativity, profesionalism and wonderful character but we will forever remember. You were one of the, if not the most beatiful thing football has seen.

He was the reason I start looking up Turkish football, learning about the history of the clubs. Alex is a legendary player.

I was 10 when I heard that he was being forced out of Fenerbahçe, I cried my eyes out and stopped caring about the game for 5-6 years, he was that special for us. I will tell my children about his greatness, his name will be written in their first jerseys.

He was the player with the most assists in each season in the 8 years he played in Turkiye. He was also the team's top scorer in other seasons, except for the 2005-06 (Nobre) and 2007-08 (Semih) seasons. The ability to always lead the team in goals and assists is not found in any number 10 except Messi. Not Totti, not Del Piero, not Neymar, not Müller, not Hagi. Among them Alex was the most consistent.

Turkish fans gave him the deserved respect and admiration that he wouldn't have been able to get from anywhere else.

..it never fails..no success goes unpunished..alex the great..how emulated by others like me, a TRABZONSPOR devotee, undisputedly the best player+gentleman ever been to turkiye..

holy hell, really nice mini doc about Alex. I watched him here at the stadium in his last year before retiring at coritiba. Coritiba x Flamengo in 2013, 36 years old, just absolute royalness, one of the best relationships with the ball ive ever seen, destroyed the game. Nice to see him get this recognition nowadays. 2003 with cruzeiro was just crazy, unseen here at south america, no one will get close to that. What they did with him at the national team is one of the biggest crimes in football history. Live long Alex, a real football legend.

Thanks for this documentary about Alex, I'm Brazilian and I didn't knew that he was persecuted like that. What a legend...

I grow up watching Alex De Souza. I see him as a member of my family. Whenever someone talks about him I always have goosebumps. This whole video and the one before made me cry. Thank you for making these videos.

I am PAOK fan, and i remember the Fenerbahce-PAOK 1-1 for the Europa league playoffs. I remember Alex , what an excellent player he was! Areal force in the midfield and the opposite half. I also remember thinking to my self that "there is no way we would not qualify against Kocaman", he was an awfull manager. You could see during the match that his players did not trust his decisions.

This is probably the best football channel on KZfaq. Incredible stories that many diehard fans of the sport are completely oblivious to, plus top narration and incredible access to vast archive footage. Second to none.

been waiting on this video for a week. his turkey stint has some left out information but otherwise good video. dude was my favorite player ever that played in turkey, and yes i am saying this as a galatasaray fan who grew up with the golden generation + hagi winning the league 4 times in a row and getting the uefa cup. anyways, one of the most important facts that are missing are; he won the league on fenerbahçe's centennial. he assisted a guy to become the top scorer of the year, fun fact is that guy started most of his matches from the bench, so he became the top goalscorer while being on the bench. aykut kocaman while a rigid bus the park kind of manager was not an inexperienced manager, he managed teams for a decade before, he became the director of football because he was a team icon and they were trying to rejuvenate the team in an european fashion and alex was getting old. so yes his personal vbendetta is real but he was put there to sort of rebuild the team. their champions league run was legendary but it was not the first time a turkish team made it to top 8, galatasaray have done it a couple times before, hell they made it to top 4 before it was rebranded as the champions league. that year with zico was amazing but looking back zico was a bad choice even though it worked because zico was an inexperinced manager and he was only brought in to please alex during his prime, then he was gone after a single season. that squad was amazing and needed a top coach or a promising young one which zico was neither. fun fact ricardinho and kleberson would both join beşiktaş later on, they have done fuck all during their stay and kleberson was still getting call ups to the nt. final words; alex was the most beloved foreign player for fenerbahçe during the 21st century. was here in the country for 8 years, he was beloved by most turkish fototball fans, his family adapted to the life in turkey, his kids were speaking turkish, alex himself has become a good turkish speaker during that time. the best foreign player of galatasaray during 21st century is hands down fernando muslera, he won at least 2 league titles by himself during his time here, and he has been in the country for 12 years. still cant talk any turkish lol. love the guy but i find it quite funny.

Thank you. I had no idea what a talent Alex had. This and the last video were eye opening. It's crazy to see what jealousy can do to throw shade on talent

Every weekend it's a joy to watch a newly uploaded video from you DDoF! Thank you!

I absolutely love all your content. Thank you for this video. It's actually unbelievable how unique Alex was.

I'm from Brazil and Cruzeiro supporter. What Alex did in Cruzeiro can't be repeated. I was 8 years old only, but I could feel the energy of football in every Cruzeiro's match, mainly because his magic. Unfortunately he did not have a chance in the World Cup, even though we had other magic players in both 2006 and 2002, he definitely could be part of the group, at least. In 2006 I can clearly see him as the center-midfield, with Ronaldinho covering the left as he use to do in Barcelona and Ronaldo as Striker, crazy. But it is what it is, he did great in all his opportunities anyways, and that's what matters. Thanks Alex for making cruzeiro 2003 the best Brazilian team of 21 century. Ps. When I've been in Turkey, as other people already said here, if you say you're Brazilian they will remember Alex instantly. Amazing!

I think the videos on Alex are the best ones you have done so far. Keep going 😀!

i haven't seen him in that 2003 cruzeiro squad since i was born in 2001. but my father is also a cruzeiro fan and he can't stress enough how great Alex was. likely the best number 10 (you guys call it central attacking midfield, i guess) cruzeiro had, even though we had very strong rosters in the 1960s

As a Turk and Galatasaray fan, I must admit that I miss Alex and his generation so much. Thinking about his playing style, his personality and him being underrated based on his potential just makes me sad. Lots of world stars joined Turkish clubs one window in their careers but Alex was definitely second to none.

He is a legend in Fenerbahce and as a Galatasaray fan i respect the crap out of this man. He was always a talented and smart leader but I thought he deserved a place in the Brazil squad at the twilight of his career more then ever. It was so weird not to see his talent in the Brazil squad. I remember like yesterday, thinking, they could have won the 2010 WC with him or at the very least, have better chances... He was incredible.

Thank you for immortalizing such a legend, i never knew him but now i do.

Obrigado por isso. Alex é um dos maiores jogadores que vi jogar no meu time, Palmeiras. Como fã, é um prazer ver como ele é reconhecido pelos amantes do futebol no mundo.

Thank you for this video, Alex deserves recognition!

Thank you Daily Dose Of Football, for the incredible work you did on this documentary about Alex.

Been waiting for this part 2, good job sir

Love these vids Keep up the good work

Could you please do a video about an Egyptian player called Abu treka he is considered Egypt's best ever player some consider him better than Salah you should have a look at his career

Episódio fantástico. Parabéns pelo teu trabalho!!

I love the story of Alex. Thank YOU for making this amazing videos

Great video, loved this player, and that Zico quote at the start was right, even now South American football doesn't get the credit but back then, hell South American teams were still winning Intercontinental Cups and won the first world club cup tournament

Proper video this heard of him but never knew he was this good criminally underrated player and should have achieved way more silverware at bigger clubs in his career truly sad how bad it went for him for a player of his caliber. Once again thanks for this video!!!

He was incredible. Its cool how you and Raymar are covering the same guy at the same time!

We must add he is the main inspiration of the Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler. Some of Arda's moves are directly taken from Alex. Alex inspired millions of kids in Turkey to play beautiful creative football. He is the single player to be loved by all the rival fans because his peaceful attitude both inside and outside the pitch. He never provoked anyone and his personality was as elegant as how he is with the ball.

How could you not like this man. He only got recognition in the places he played really, and deserved world class status among fans.

What Alex used to do in the pitch is indescribable. Beside goals and assists, every time he touched the ball was like sorcery. As a Cruzeiro fan, I had the privilege of growing up watching him, as a had 13 yo in 2003. He's top 3 in Cruzeiro history, alongside Tostão and Ronaldo. And that's not an easy task, since we've had numerous legends wearing Cruzeiro's kit. Thaks for the video, and thank you, Alex 10!

Thank you, for retelling the stories of the legends of the past.

A beautiful piece,one of your best if not the best...never knew Alex was this good

When he left he said, "Fenerbahçe lost a player but gained a fan." So Alex is a man of Fenerbahçe and he will be forever. I'm so glad I watched him in the stadium for so long.

Love these videos. I never knew a thing about Alex, or Paolo Futre (one of your previous videos).

Alex De Souza.....I mean, if it wasn't for sabotaged things, he could have been better, he would have won the World Cup. A proper midfielder yet underrated

Been waiting for this one!

Please do a Peter Schmeichel episode. I swear , when he kicked the ball from his goal line, the ball was higher than the light posts from old estádio José de Alvalade. That was really impressive! Also watching games on television from that same stadium, I used to count the seconds the ball disappeared from the screen, because was too high, when a goalkeeper kicked to mid field.. Peter Schmeichel was the longest by far. XD Im sure there is footage of it around you tubes.

That background music is always ICONIC

As a GALATASARAY fan, I love Alex. It was pleasure to watch him. And a little bit terrifying :) But there is only one thing wrong: 12:10 "For the first time ever a Turkish team was in the quarter finals of the Champions Leage" It was Fenerbahçe's first. In 2000-2001 Galatasaray was ay Querter Final after the season which they won UEFA and Super Cup. Fenerbahçe reach to Quarter Final in 2007-2008. And again in 2012-2013 Galatasaray played in Quarter Final. Also in the old status of Champions League (1993-1994), Galatasaray was at last 8.

alex cabeção ive been waiting for his turn on the channel and u delivered as alw 🔥🔥

Great story. Thank you. You have an amazing channel.

Wow, congratulations man, best Alex´s documentary ever !! (i´m brazilian)

Damn, I was thinking to myself I wonder if the second part dropped yet, just to see you uploaded it 1 minute ago 🥳🎉

I'm a Turkish Fenerbahçe fan and all I can say to you is that as a kid Alex was a Football God to me. I cried so much when he was leaving, I couldn't believe it. And after that I literally stopped watching football for a long time. And even after I came back nobody in the world made me the feel the emotions I had while watching this guy play. Even to this day, Alex is someone more important than just a footballer for me. He is a legend that gives inspiration to me in the darkest times, I say this from my heart. He is like someone that I learned greatness, humility and respect from. All the memories... I would pretend to be him in the streets and act like him too. He may not have been in the lists as one of the greatest footballers of all times, maybe outside of Brazil and Turkey nobody remembers his name. But I can tell you that he conquered many Turkish (and also Brazilian i assume) kids' hearts forever, and he will not be forgotten by them. And I don't know about you but for me that's more valuable.

i have to thank you to shine a spotlight on a player i knew very little to nothing about. im amazed and touched by his story. what a player,what a man!

man you did great job by unveiling the background of hidden stuffs we try to explain to whom having no idea.

Mans hit the genetic lottery. Why would you hate on this magical player? Alex Gangster AF

Nice videos you made in general, but could you do one about Marcelinho Paraiba one of my Top5 favourite Brazilian footballers. Other sugestions for you: -Elber -Dejan Petković -Marcelinho Carioca(freekick specialist) -Andres D"Alessandro -MIchael Tarnat -Jon Arne Riise -Jari Litmanen -Overmars -Fernando Cavenaghi -Dirk Kuyt -Omar Sivori

He deserved it play in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup for Brazil, as a starting player... And as a Palmeiras fan, he's the best and most complete player i ever seen in my team. And i see Edmundo, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Djalminha, Cafu, Zé Roberto and many others stars playing for Palmeiras.

great vid man

You put the wrong Gilberto pic. Parreira was talking about the leftback Gilberto da Silva Melo, not Gilberto Silva from Arsenal.

Thanks for the intro.

Bro, your videos are 🔥 greetings from a Croatian

What a story, very well made video!

Imagine this guy playing alongside Dener, Rivaldo, Kaká, or Ronaldinho on the attacking midfield position 🔥

I never knew him but this video is truly appealing and makes it easier know him. And what a player I would've loved to watch! 🇧🇷

Almost shed tear about the story. 😢