In this exclusive interview with Flashscore, Heliton discusses the secret behind the best defence in Turkey, his strong relationship with coach Stanimir Stoilov - a well-known fan of Brazilian players - and the recent racism incident involving Vini Jr.
He also admits to having received a recent offer from Gremio, which ultimately didn’t materialise, and recalls when his father had to borrow R$ 50 so he could attend a trial, highlighting the tough reality he had to overcome.
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Like many Black people, he has also experienced racism and doesn’t see a definitive end to this societal issue. Standing at 1.95m, his physical presence is one of his main assets, allowing him to make a difference in a three-at-the-back system where he had to adapt as the central defender.
This good spell at Goztepe has made him set his sights higher, not just in Europe, but also on a possible return to Brazil - provided it’s for a big club. He still regrets a recent failed negotiation with Grêmio, but that hasn’t dampened his desire to return to Brazilian football and earn the recognition he deserves.
You joined Goztepe in the 23/24 season, when the team was in the second division. Can you talk about the team’s growth since then?
"I arrived in the second half of the season in the Turkish second division. The team was already on track for promotion and having a good campaign. I came in to add to what was already working.
"We secured promotion, and with the help of our coach, who loves Brazilians, I was able to help my teammates. Last year, we almost qualified for a European tournament, missing out by just a few points.
"This season, we’re on a great path and I hope we achieve our goal. It’s been a great experience here, and everyone is improving a lot. Even though the club isn’t that well-known worldwide, we’re making history and I believe we’ll get the recognition we deserve."
It seems like the club is taking a grounded, step-by-step approach. What stands out to you about the project that is making things work without rushing the process?
"The mindset is ambitious. While many clubs coming up from the second division just aim to stay up, we managed to show our potential right in our first season. We almost qualified for an international tournament. We’re on the right track, and that mentality has spread throughout the squad.
You have the best defence in the Turkish League. When you’re on the pitch, the team concedes very few goals. What’s been key to this performance?
"It’s not just about the defence, because it all starts up front. My teammates help a lot in building this solidity. Our coach’s system is also crucial - we really respect his tactical instructions. We’ve been very disciplined tactically.
"I’ve learned a lot from this coach, about how to behave on the pitch and how to communicate. And he doesn’t just teach me, but everyone who joins. I hope to keep progressing this way."
The coach you mentioned is Stanimir Stoilov, a 59-year-old Bulgarian. You said he really likes Brazilian players, and not just attacking ones. What do you know about his preference?
"I’ve known him since my time in Bulgaria - I played against him a couple of times. His previous team already had a lot of Brazilians. He always says he likes Brazilians because we love to work hard. He’s very selective. Every Brazilian he’s brought in has worked out.
"That was the case with Rômulo, who’s now at RB Leipzig, Emerson, who went to France, Djalma, now at Goiás, and Juan, who’s helping us with goals. Alan is another of our defenders with good numbers. The coach doesn’t just pick attackers — he mixes up the positions."
Is there anything about the defensive system that caught your attention?
"He’s very focused on tactics. I’d never played in a back three before. When I got here, it was a bit strange. As a left-footer, I thought I’d play on the left, but he put me in the centre. It was a shock for me. That’s why I say he taught me a lot and helped me get to where I am today.
"One interesting thing about him is how he talks to players about the tactical system. You have to be disciplined. If you slip up, the ball will end up in the net. He always says that if we want to go far, everything has to start with defence. He drills that into us. If the defence is solid, the whole team does well."
You’re 1.95m tall. How does that help you in your role, besides positioning?
"When people think of a 1.95m defender, they imagine a tough guy, but I’m confident in my abilities and know I do my job well on the pitch. Turkish football is very physical, with lots of set pieces and long balls, so that suits my style.
"I think I’ve been important to the team’s tactical system, and my height and strength help a lot."
I’d like to talk about the recent racism incident involving Vini Jr. Have you experienced racism in Europe or even in Brazil? Have you ever had to go through that?
"If I said no, I’d be lying. Every black person has gone through it. Unfortunately, it’s something we have to fight against every day. Deep down, I don’t think it will ever end.
"The other day I was talking to my wife about racism, and I said, ‘Racists die, but new racists are born.’ It’s important to have a strong mindset so it doesn’t get you down.
"Skin colour doesn’t change anything - whether you’re white, black, whether you walk or not. We’re all made in God’s image; there shouldn’t be differences, but we have to live with it. It makes me sad. It’s happened to me here in Turkey against Besiktas, in Bulgaria and Portugal too, and in Brazil as well.
"It’s important to stand up for your rights, but you also have to know it can affect your performance. It’s a tough subject to talk about. You need to have a strong mind to keep doing your job. Life goes on, things won’t change. You have to learn to deal with it, because our children will grow up and face it too."
Do you think there’s a lack of punishment?
"Punishment would help, but even with it, racism won’t end. Punishments usually hit the lower classes harder. But there are racists among the middle and upper classes, too, and those people often go unpunished. Punishing is a good step, at least it can help reduce the problem."
In Brazil, you came up at Santo André, played for XV de Jau, Figueirense, and stood out at ABC de Natal before moving to Portugal. Was going to Portugal something you wanted?
"I took that challenge mainly because of the lack of opportunities in Brazil. When the chance to go to Portugal came up, even if it was in the second division, I knew it could open doors.
"It was a way to get recognised, and that’s what happened. I’m very grateful for how things turned out - it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up."
Did your journey in Europe exceed your expectations?
"I came here a bit late, I was 24 or 25. Since I didn’t get much playing time in Brazil, that affected my development. That was my moment - I can say it was God’s timing. Things happened gradually for me: Covilhã, CSKA Sofia, and Goztepe.
"I don’t think I’ve reached my limit in terms of clubs or leagues. I believe I can go further - despite being 30, I take good care of myself. I see a lot of potential to play in better leagues and bigger clubs. I believe my next step will be even higher."
Did any of these countries leave a bigger mark on you?
"Portugal was my gateway. The team wasn’t doing well, but I managed to score a few goals and show what I could do. In Bulgaria, I showed my potential - we qualified for the Conference League.
"It was my first European competition with a club, I was captain, and that was very rewarding. It helped me perform better and get noticed by other clubs. At Goztepe, I’ve found my best form."
Is there anything about Turkish football that stands out to you? People often talk about the fans’ passion...
"Yes, the fans here are really passionate. Goztepe’s supporters are amazing - every game is packed, they sing songs, and you can feel their passion. It’s like the whole city lives for football. There’s passion in Brazil too, but I see Turkish fans as even more devoted."
Do you want to return to Brazilian football?
"I’d like to, but for now I prefer to stay in Europe. I do want to play for a big club in Brazil. Everything I’ve been through has helped me perform better and made me mentally stronger. If I go back to Brazil, I feel ready to play for any team. I’ve had some chances to return, but I ended up not taking them.
"Last year, Grêmio made an offer - they wanted to buy me, but Goztepe wouldn’t let me go. It was mid-season, and the team was doing well. It was frustrating for me - I really wanted to play in the Brasileirao, fight for the Libertadores or the Sudamericana. If I go back to Brazil, it has to be to play at the top level."
I’m curious about your relationship with the coach regarding language. Do you speak any Turkish, or is it all in English?
"He’s Bulgarian but speaks Portuguese - he’s worked in Portugal before. I think that’s part of why he likes Brazilians. At the club, we communicate in English. He only speaks Portuguese when he’s joking around with the Brazilians, to lighten the mood. When the whole team is together, it’s English.
You were born in Mauá (SP). Was your father the one who introduced you to football? Did you always want to be a defender?
"Actually, I started out as a striker - I always wanted to be a centre forward. It all began with my father’s dream. He tried to become a player but didn’t make it. He was always involved with amateur teams back in Maua.
"When I was born, he passed that passion on to me. He helped me a lot along the way. My father passed away in 2017, but he left me on a wonderful path to follow - not just my dream, but his as well.
"It all started with him, from the soccer school days, all those mornings and nights, always training two or three times a day at different academies, always encouraging me to become a player.
"I’m very grateful, first to God and then to my father. When I was 16 or 17, I was still playing in the amateur leagues. There was a trial at Santo Andre, and I needed to pay R$ 50, but my father didn’t have the money. He borrowed it from a loan shark, and that was a turning point in my life.
"That’s when I realised things couldn’t go on as they were. I saw my father making all those sacrifices for me, just so I could play football. I took that as a dream to make come true for him.
"I also have to highlight my mother’s role - she was always a domestic worker. She used to have Tuesdays and Thursdays off, but started working on those days too, so I could have better conditions to keep playing.
"I only found out about that years later. All of this changed my life and made me take football seriously. No one has played a more important role in my life than my parents."
And when did you become a defender?
"After I turned 13. I was a striker, but a coach moved me to defensive midfield. Then I just kept dropping back. As I got taller, they put me at centre back, and I accepted it. I just hope I don’t end up as a goalkeeper (laughs)."
Who was your childhood idol?
"When I was a kid, I always liked Juan, the former Flamengo, Brazil, and Roma defender. I always admired him. After he retired, my idol became Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool."