Three time Footvolley world champion signs for Delhi Dynamos

The Brazilian was playing at Sao Paulo’s Ponte Preta club till now

Created by Octavio de Moraes in 1965 around Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach, Footvolley presented football players the means to be able to touch the ball without violating the ban on playing football on the beach at the time! Over the years though it has turned in to a major recreational activity across North and South America, with international superstars like Romario, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho participating extensively in the pastime.

While players of the original form of association football as we know it be duly indulge in the aforementioned, its usually deemed difficult for Footvolley players to replicate their skills on the bigger field. Thats what makes 6 time national and 3 time world champion-Vinicius Ferreira de Souza stand out though. He turned pro 5 years back and has since plied his trade with Brazilian football club AA Ponte Preta and then in Austria with FC Red Bull Salzburg.

Today he turned a new leaf in his diverse career as he was launched by the Delhi Dynamos as their latest signing. Introducing him to the media, the franchisee’s coach-cum marquee player Roberto Carlos said, “Vinicius is a great addition to the team. He is exceptionally talented and his unique style of play is something to watch out for this season. Being an outstanding footvolley player, he brings with him speed, agility and accuracy which are required in the game of football.”

The Brazilian who is known to have good speed, work rate, stamina and has cannon of a left foot seemed elated upon being handed the number 7 jersey and exuded confidence ahead of their opener in 10 days time, “I am excited and motivated to join Delhi Dynamos. I think it’s a great opportunity and a new challenge for me to play in a completely new environment. Playing alongside Carlos will be an enriching experience and I look forward to play to the best of my ability.

From the little time I have spent with the team, I feel very comfortable and hopefully over the next few days it will get even better.”

From what it seems he will play in a 3-pronged attacking midfield with Malouda and dos Santos. Quite enticing, that proposition, lets hope he lives up to his billing though!

Also, as Carlos asserted he might make Footvolley popular in India, for its rare that we come across a 3-time world champion in a sport as niche as that turn out professionally here.