Sometimes, the dreams we chase the hardest must be put aside for an even bigger prize: peace. That’s the tough choice Jassie Vasconcelos made this week. Less than two months after joining FC Porto, a club she called her “childhood dream,” the forward announced her immediate retirement from football. It wasn’t a sudden whim but the result of a hidden, long-term battle with an illness.
Jassie shared her decision in an emotional social media message on Tuesday. She revealed that a medical condition prevents her from playing at the top level. “Today I say goodbye to the great love of my life. Football!” she wrote. She added, “You gave me much more than I ever asked for. You gave me everything I have today.” The Portuguese player also previously spent two stints at Benfica, in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.
For years, Jassie carried a secret burden on the field. She spoke of “horrible pain” and “sleepless nights.” Anxiety crept in, sometimes leading to “panic attacks during games.” Beyond the physical toll, she felt immense pressure, a weight she placed on herself, to always perform better than before. This relentless push made her realize she needed a change. Stepping away means she can finally “rest and recover what I need for a better quality of life later.”
Despite the heartbreak of leaving the sport, Jassie focused on gratitude. She mentioned that her passion for football, a feeling she finds hard to explain, brought her wonderful friendships. These connections now “mean love and home” to her. She specifically thanked FC Porto for their understanding. The club looked beyond her role as a player, “They saw me as a person first,” she noted. Their support helped her understand her condition after years of struggle.
Jassie’s message ended with a look forward, not back. Even though playing for FC Porto was a deep-seated dream, she chose a path of positivity. “But I prefer to fill my heart with love, positivity, and joy,” she stated. She is grateful for the chance to experience “the best moments as a player at the best club in the world.” She also thanked her fans for their unwavering support on her journey. She expressed pride in her contribution to women’s football. Jassie now feels “in the right place at the right time,” seeing it as “half the battle” to reach her next goals.