Metinho’s Story: A Brazilian-Congolese Journey from Brás de Pina to Basel | OneFootball

From the streets of Brás de Pina in Rio de Janeiro to lifting a league title with FC Basel, Abemly Meto Silu, better known as Metinho, has lived a journey that blends resilience, passion, and two cultures. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Brazil, his first experiences with football were like those of many children, on the neighbourhood pitches, playing with freedom and joy.

“My earliest memories of playing football are from when I was a child, playing with my friends in Brás de Pina, on a court near my house,” Metinho tells WFI.

“At first, it was pure fun, because at that age, you don’t think that it could turn into a profession. Over time, seeing the difficulties my parents faced, I began to see football as a way to change our lives and, at the same time, do something I loved. So I combined business with pleasure, and today I live the reality I always dreamed of: being able to give comfort to my family through football.”

The football dream was born in Brazil, but his identity runs deeper. With Congolese blood and Brazilian upbringing, Metinho has always carried two worlds with him, the resilience and tradition of Africa alongside the joy and creativity of Brazil.

“I am who I am today thanks to the blend of African and Brazilian cultures,” he explains. “I grew up in Brazil, but always kept the connection with my roots through my family, both here and in Congo. I lived both sides intensely: the joy and warmth of Brazil and the strength and tradition of African culture.

“I’m very proud to be recognised by both the African and Brazilian communities. Many young Africans support me and take inspiration from my journey, and that motivates me to always give my best to inspire other dreamers who want to pursue football.”

Metinho’s youth career began with Madureira, a side from Rio that play in the top tier of the Carioca State Championships. He had several trials with clubs in the city and was offered a contract by Vasco da Gama, but before signing the deal, he waited for an offer from Fluminense. That move saw him sign his first contract and leave the favela, moving into a house owned at the time by his teammate João Pedro, who has since joined Chelsea after progressing through the Flu academy.

Metinho quickly became a key figure in Fluminense’s youth sides, captaining the U17s and also playing for the U20s, where he showed maturity beyond his age. At U17 level, Fluminense proved to be the best side in Brazil in 2020 as they lifted the Brasileirão title. Metinho would later make a senior appearance before being offered the chance to pursue European football, which came with a five-year deal at Ligue 1 side Troyes.

His time at Troyes would be short-lived, with most of his minutes coming in the B team as he adapted to the European game. To further aid his development, he was also sent on loan to Belgian outfit Lommel SK.

“The biggest challenge, as happens with many players, was adapting—both to the weather and to the European style of play,” Metinho says about his transition to European football.

“In my case, it was even harder because, right after I arrived at Troyes, I got injured during training. I was far from my family and friends, experiencing something completely new.

It was a tough moment, but also a turning point, because it made me grow up quickly and understand that I had to give my all to overcome it. Besides recovering from the injury, I had to adapt to the pace and demands of European football, which really strengthened me.”

The 2023/24 season would prove to be a key one for Metinho as he joined Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam on loan, playing in the Eredivisie, where Sparta secured an impressive eighth-place finish. The Brazilian-Congolese midfielder featured 24 times during the campaign, establishing himself as a key presence in the heart of midfield.

“Sparta gave me back the confidence in my football and helped me maintain a good rhythm of play. The coach and my teammates supported me a lot in adapting to Dutch football, always guiding me in positioning and in training. That experience was essential for my technical and mental development on the pitch,” he explained.

Metinho began the 2024/25 campaign with his loan extended at Sparta, but in the winter of 2025, he took on a new challenge, moving to Swiss outfit Basel. He hit the ground running, playing 12 league matches and winning nine of them, helping the club secure its 21st league title. His impact was so immediate that Basel moved quickly to make the deal permanent in the summer transfer window.

Metinho’s immediate impact in Switzerland not only earned him silverware but also a sense of belonging at one of the country’s biggest clubs. Reflecting on his arrival at Basel, he speaks with pride and gratitude.

“When Basel showed interest, I was extremely happy because of the size and history of the club, as well as the great players who had already been here. One of them is my current teammate, Xherdan Shaqiri—I used to watch him play on TV and now I play alongside him, which is an incredible feeling. I am very grateful to God and to Basel for the opportunity to wear this shirt.

“I will always give my best to contribute and make the fans and my teammates happy in every competition we play.”

That winning mentality paid off immediately.

“I think it was the result of hard work, dedication, and a winning spirit. At a club like Basel, we need to maintain a high level and always aim to bring joy to the fans. When I see the fans happy, that also makes me happy. My teammates and I dedicate ourselves to the maximum to repay that support, and the only way to do that is by giving 100% on the pitch.

“The most memorable moment was winning the championship. It was my first title in European football, something that will forever remain in the club’s history and in my life. An indescribable feeling.”

For Metinho, winning a league title in Switzerland is just the beginning. With his eyes now set on adding more silverware and testing himself in the Europa League, the Brazilian-Congolese midfielder is determined to keep building a career that inspires both in Brazil and in Africa. His journey from the courts of Brás de Pina to Europe’s grand stage shows that his story is still only getting started.