It was a remarkable second half of the season for Southampton, and one of the key men behind the change in fortune is Leo Scienza.
With 17 Championship goal contributions, and 10 since the Saints’ unbeaten run started in January, the Brazilian’s fairy tale story has not ceased to amaze.
The 27-year-old only began playing professionally six years ago, and now finds himself just two games away from playing in the biggest league in the world.
A feat beyond his wildest dreams.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final first leg match between Middlesbrough and Southampton.
Tuesday 12th May 7:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Like many football fans, Scienza was just playing for fun in his native Brazil as he entered adulthood, and he has not forgotten about his past as he continues to thrive while living out his dream.
“It’s been crazy the last few years,” the winger told Sky Sports.
“I’m 27. I’m playing maybe my sixth season in professional football. And today I’m in the Championship, at this big club, playing in England. Every day has been a dream.
“I remember when I was 18, I was already finished with school. I did everything I needed to do. I was playing in Sunday league with normal people that have normal jobs. After the game, you drink some beer, have some fun, eat some churrasco.”
As is often the case in many stories like Scienza’s, a pivotal moment changed the course of his life and led him to where he is now. Sadly in this instance, it was the death of his father that made him decide to go all-in on football.
Leo Scienza joined Southampton from Heidenheim in September
“It was very hard for me, with my dad passing away on my birthday,” he added. “I felt like I lost someone so important that gave me this love for football. It just made me feel like I had nothing to lose.
“I had the opportunity to go to Sweden and for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like I was afraid. It was a very important part of my journey because I was there for one and a half years, living in very simple conditions, not living a very good life. I’m very grateful for every small thing that I’ve been through.”
His time in Sweden was enough for him to catch the eye of Schalke in Germany, and after bouncing around numerous clubs in the lower leagues of the country over the next five years, it was Heidenheim that allowed him to showcase what he was capable of in the Bundesliga.
Nine goals and six assists in all competitions last season caught the eye of Southampton, who snapped him up last summer with barely a minute left in the window.
While many with his background have taken time to settle in, Scienza has hit the ground running in his first season in English football. It’s a fact that he is proud of given that many had written him off before he got going.
“Before I came here, I would say my style doesn’t fit [the Championship]. Everyone said this will not work.
“When your coach wants to use your best qualities on the pitch, it’s easier for you to understand where the space is. Where I can get the ball and drive.”
It has almost been as good a debut season as Scienza could’ve asked for. However, promotion to the Premier League would make things that much sweeter.
To do that, Southampton need to navigate the remainder of the play-offs, starting by beating Middlesbrough on Tuesday night in the second leg of their play-off semi-final. The Brazilian does have the unique experience of playing under similar pressure having had to play in a relegation play-off in the Bundesliga for Heidenheim, where he helped steer them to safety.
“In the second game, I got the ball in the area. It was the 95th minute and I punched the ball into almost the top corner,” he recounted.
“It was pure ecstasy because we knew that that was it. We were all running and celebrating because we knew that the whole season was based on this goal.
“I was very happy because it’s not just about the players. It’s about the club. It’s about people that work at the club. They earned another season at the top level. I’m hoping we’ll have a very happy end with Southampton.”
Watch Southampton vs Middlesbrough live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm on Tuesday; kick-off 8pm.