The Capelli Sport Elite Cup, an international tournament made up of six BU19 teams, was held in August in Køge, Denmark. There were eight Rush players from all over the world in attendance, including Diego Aires from Rush Brazil. Aires was offered to stay and train with the HB Køge professional team after the four-day tournament. After training in Køge, he was then selected to play on contract there!

“I’ve always played it as far as I can remember,” Aires said, commenting on his soccer journey. “Whenever we went to Brazil I’d play with my friends on the streets or at a court. It was always that, just having fun and enjoying playing with friends. I’ve always enjoyed playing football since it helps me clear my mind and just relax.” 

Diego has learned a lot through the beautiful game. “The most important lesson that I have learned during my time in Denmark and also in my football career in general is the importance of relationships, whether it be between teammates or between directors, or scouts. During my time in Denmark I met a lot of new people who shared my same goals or were able to take me to new places and give me advice. That’s one of the things I like most about playing football is that you get to meet people from all around the world, and make connections.”

Aires was connected to Rush when he began training with Wolves Rush in Brazil in preparation for the Mic Tournament in Spain. He was then able to get in contact with Rush connections, which then led him to a tryout for Kendall Rush in Miami, Florida. Aires had no idea that his tryouts in Miami would ultimately take him overseas. Aires comments about the experience:

“The team in Brazil was relatively small so I never imagined that it would one day take me to Denmark. I planned to go to the tournament and then return to Miami before the start of the season and move there (I live in Arizona). The tournament in Denmark went well and they asked me to stay another week to practice with the first team which was a good experience for me.”

During his time in Miami, Diego was one of three players that was selected by Kendall Rush to compete in Denmark. He trained for two weeks in preparation for the Capelli Sport Elite Cup. Renatto Soriano, the Academy Director at Kendall Rush, was present during Aires training. “He stayed with us for two weeks. We told him that we wanted him to join the team,” Soriano said. “Diego has a very good first touch. He has a quick speed of thought and is always looking to score or make a pass. He is very creative.” 

“I would love for Diego to make a statement of the Miami community,” Soriano commented on Aires future. “The resilience of the American background going to Denmark will open the door for more players in the community. I hope that it goes really well for him!” 

Diego is excited about this season and to begin officially playing with HB Køge. He hopes to travel a lot and have as much exposure as possible to progress his career further. We wish him the best of luck as he settles in Denmark and begins his European soccer career! 

Rush Soccer is excited to see how the club’s global footprint can impact its players’ pathway and allow them to compete in areas of the world they never thought possible! Rush wishes Diego all the best in his first professional contract at HB Køge.