OffsAIde
·25 September 2026
Leandro Barreiro speaks seven languages and plays piano, preferring a low profile off the pitch

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Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·25 September 2026

Benfica midfielder Leandro Barreiro, 26, speaks seven languages and plays the piano, and prefers to keep his private life away from the spotlight. Now in his third season in Lisbon after almost a decade at Mainz, he keeps football separate from family life.
"It has been clear to me from the start that my private life is my business alone. If anything ever happens, I do not want the whole world to know. We analyse everything and look for methods that allow me to deal better with difficult situations. I talk to him about everything, because I believe that everything influences my performance on the pitch," he said, speaking to Luxemburger Wort.
He has worked closely with a mental coach for almost six years, staying in touch through messages and video calls, with occasional visits to Lisbon. His parents remain in Luxembourg but regularly travel to Portugal to watch him play.
Away from football, he enjoys anime, the piano, reading and long walks, and he spends time with his dog.
Barreiro is currently learning Japanese on Duolingo and, for now, has ruled out hiring a private tutor because it would add another commitment. On the pitch, he continues to take on a bigger role at Benfica.
Source: Glorioso 1904
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