The Villain of MLS: Felipe Martins Prefers Being Hated Over Loved

On this week's episode, Felipe Martins opens up about his 17-year journey in professional soccer, from leaving his home in Brazil at age 10 to becoming a respected force in Major League Soccer. As he puts it, “Circumstances don’t change responsibility—you know who you are, and you keep showing up every single day.” Felipe shares the sacrifices of living away from his family, the heartbreak of lost friendships, and the resilience it took to push through setbacks—including a heart condition that cut short his time in Italy and a devastating ACL injury later in his career. He reflects on the highs of winning trophies with Montreal and New York Red Bulls, and the lows that shaped his character, offering lessons on discipline, sacrifice, and staying true to yourself.

Felipe Martins is a Brazilian former midfielder whose career spanned clubs in Italy, Switzerland, MLS, and Brazil. After early stints with Padova and Swiss sides FC Winterthur, FC Lugano, and FC Wohlen, he joined the Montreal Impact in 2012, where he won two Canadian Championships and became a key playmaker. In 2025, he briefly joined FC Cascavel in Brazil before mutually parting ways and announcing his retirement in June. Known for his creativity, work rate, and leadership, Felipe logged over 450 professional matches and left a lasting mark in MLS.

Highlights:

• Surviving dangerous early years in Brazil
• Overcoming a heart condition that nearly ended his career
• Embracing the “villain” role in MLS
• Rebounding from a major ACL injury with relentless work ethic
• The discipline, nutrition, and mental habits that fueled his longevity
• Memorable encounters with legends like Messi, Lampard, and Drogba
• Honest advice for young players, parents, and anyone chasing a dream

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