On July 9th, before the Copa America semi-final against Argentina, Canada’s vice-captain, Stephen Eustáquio, was interviewed by the well-known sports media outlet, “TA”. He spoke about his feelings about the loss of both his parents within the past year, and also about his upcoming opponent, Argentina.
In 2022, Eustáquio’s mother was diagnosed with brain cancer, and in 2023, she passed away in the 56th minute of a Portuguese league game. In May 2024, Eustáquio’s father died of a heart attack. In the past year, Eustáquio, Canada’s vice-captain, lost both his parents. The once lively, chatty Eustáquio has become quiet and reserved.
“When you lose someone you love deeply, you become more invested in everything you can control in your life,” Eustáquio said two months after his father’s death. Playing for the Canadian team was his way of honoring his parents, and he could become a leader for his teammates through the values his parents instilled in him.
“Stephen (Eustáquio) is probably the most mature, the most careful, the most aware, and the most secure player on our team,” said Canadian head coach, Jesse Marsch. “He’s very intelligent and can understand what’s required. Although he might be overlooked sometimes, he’s clearly one of the most important players on the whole team.”
When asked about beating Argentina to reach the Copa America final, Eustáquio said, “Everything I do is to provide the best future possible for my family through my work; now you have a job, life, work, and a reason to win for them.”
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