Ángel Correa’s journey to the pinnacle of football is a testament to his resilience. Born in the Las Flores neighborhood of Rosario, Argentina, Correa grew up in a large family that struggled to make ends meet. After his father’s death when Correa was just 10, his mother was left to care for their 10 children alone.
Growing Up in Poverty
The family often went hungry, sometimes eating just once a day. To survive, Correa and his siblings would venture into the city center to sell roses and open taxi doors for tips. In a recent interview with Los Edul on YouTube, he recalled those tough times, saying, “We were happy with very little. We didn’t have toys, maybe just a ball, but we were content.”
Correa’s early life was marked by hardship, but also by the strong bonds within his family. He remembers walking long distances with his grandmother to beg for food from door to door. Despite the struggles, Correa’s family found joy in the simple things.
The challenges Correa faced extended beyond financial struggles. He lost his father, two brothers, and several friends to violence. “I lost many friends because of a bullet,” he said, reflecting on the harsh realities of his youth.
Rise to Prominence
Correa’s talent eventually led him to San Lorenzo, where he was discovered by coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, a former FC Porto player. In 2015, Atlético Madrid signed him for €10.5 million. Since then, Correa has won LaLiga and the UEFA Europa League, and has become a key player for Argentina.
Correa’s story is one of overcoming adversity. From a difficult childhood to achieving success on the world stage, he remains proud of his journey. “Living through that and now having everything is a source of pride,” he said, reflecting on his rise to the top.