Stephen Eustáquio's emotional journey to the 2022 World Cup

The last two years have brought Canada MNT midfielder Stephen Eustaquio incredible highs…and equally painful lows. On and off the pitch. This is his emotional story.
A TSN Original - Eustáquio w/ Rick Westhead.

[@nicktalksbrazil]

I know exactly how it feels to lose your mother at a young age. Just remember Stephen, she cared for you since birth with so much love. She would want you to continue and to be HAPPY! Força!!

[@duarteml8186]

Sadly Eustáquio's father also passed away last month (probably after this interview was recorded). It has been a tough year for him, but I'm sure he will come out of this stronger! Every portuguese football fan admires his strengh and determination, he is that type of player that never gives up, on and off the field! His parents saw him becoming a great player and a great person, that's every parent's dream, Eustáquio can only be proud of himself! Força Eustáquio! 🤍💙

[@robdorr1]

Yeah, I was wondering why they didn’t address his father‘s death. You are right, the interview was probably done before that happened. His comment about the circle of life with the birth of his own child is just so true and I think it’s what ultimately helps us deal with the grief of losing a parent.

[@robdorr1]

This is world class. Steph is world class. As a human, as a teammate and as a footballer.

[@phlegmkessel4841]

We love you Staqs, forever grateful you chose Canada 🇨🇦 ❤️🤍

[@mutchacho]

Força Eustáquio, a tua mãe estará sempre contigo! 💙🤍

[@andreacp7]

Eustáquio a tua mãezinha está a olhar por ti e orgulhosa! Grande abraço amigo!!!!

[@footballawsomeee9341]

Força Eustáquio, tens de te mostrar esta época no Porto.

[@tiagobertolo240]

U will always be a DRAGÃO!! Força Eustáquio

[@doctorgowned]

One of us 💙💙💙 és enorme eustaquio! Força!

[@anajohnson9804]

I lost my sister November 2022. She had a pons stroke randomly at the age of 36. She is 10 years older and basically helped raise me into the person I am today. I Can relate to your story so much Stephan but I’ve been scared to move on and continue a life without the most important person in my life. I have hella respect for you and will continue to cheer you on regardless of Peru losing (Peruvian up in here). You’re a strong young man and you’re making your mother very proud, that’s for sure 🤍

[@Rocall]

És um lutador Stephen, mereces todas as oportunidades que tens tido e mais algumas. 💪🙏

[@fern]

We're with you Stephen, all the best to you and Canada at Copa America

[@ruimartins841]

Os portistas estarão para sempre contigo

[@Pikelm34]

És muito grande craque! Abraço de um Portista de Matosinhos 👍👊

[@SaholG]

Great story. Kick on young Man !!! Make Mom PROUD !

[@yeniguslij]

I know exactly how you feel Stephen, that’s exactly how I lost my mom.

[@rafaelcampos2711]

You cannot miss his journey in FC Paços de Ferreira!!! One of the club best players 🟡

[@theoverwhelmer]

I hope he goes put there amd puts on a show for Canada today! 🇨🇦 tbh i didn't know what hes been through and i wish this guy the best

[@williamlin2242]

Contigo Eustaquio!

[@edgarg.8094]

And then, all of a sudden, his dad also passed away...

[@caetanolopes2766]

And dad died after this interview...

[@muray9979]

One of the top clubs in portugal?? Porto is a top club in europe, don’t disrespect porto like that

[@quaresma9003]

Porto 2 champions League winners