Headline: El Shaarawy and Messias: Two Genoa Players with Inspiring Journeys
Genoa’s current roster features two notable players, Stephan El Shaarawy and Junior Messias, whose experiences extend beyond their football careers at AC Milan. Both players share compelling personal stories that have shaped their lives both on and off the pitch.
El Shaarawy earned the nickname “Il Faraone” (The Pharaoh), not merely because of his Egyptian lineage—thanks to his father’s heritage from Tanta, situated 94 km north of Cairo—but due to a memorable incident during the Primavera Championship final with Genoa. In a pivotal moment, he scored the decisive goal that secured a 2-1 victory over Empoli, celebrating with a gesture inspired by pharaonic imagery. His tenure at AC Milan from 2011 to 2015 further solidified this imagery, as his iconic mohawk became a symbol that resonated with many young fans.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo Lollo Colombo, also part of Genoa, offers a story of resilience. Hailing from Vimercate, Colombo faced multiple significant injuries while in the Rossoneri youth academy but triumphed through determination to eventually make his mark. His journey momentarily intersected with that of Junior Messias at AC Milan. In 2021, while Colombo took a loan to Cremonese, Messias transitioned from Crotone to Milanello.
Junior Messias’ life narrative is marked by perseverance and sacrifice. Born in Belo Horizonte in 1991, he progressed through Cruzeiro’s youth academy until the age of 17, but after being released at 20, it seemed his dream of becoming a professional football player had ended. Following a move to Turin to reunite with family, Messias worked various jobs while participating in amateur tournaments with UISP in his spare time. His journey led him through clubs such as Casale, Chieri, and Gozzano, ultimately culminating in his arrival at AC Milan and lifting the Scudetto.
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