Luan Rocha – Strong Bear spotted nearby

Our new player is a Brazilian national team member, a two-time champion of Brazil, and a one-time champion of South America. During these campaigns, he was selected for the league’s All-Star team and even won the Best U-23 Player award! We believe his list of achievements won’t stop there!

Throughout his career, Luan has played for teams such as CC Ceará Caçadores, João Pessoa Espectros, and Rio Preto Weilers (Brazil’s top division). As mentioned above, he also had the honor of representing his country’s national team, with which he became a continental champion.

He is undoubtedly a player you simply can’t overlook when watching a game. His incredible skill has earned him recognition from Brazilian experts, but his astonishing physical attributes also make him stand out. Luan is 190 cm tall and weighs nearly 150 kg, making him an extraordinary athletic “freak”! Moreover, he is still part of the younger generation of players, being only 22 years old.

In addition to his strength and winning mentality, Luan brings versatility to our offensive line. He claims to feel most comfortable as a Left Tackle, but throughout his career, he has also successfully played as a Guard and even as a Center.

This is an exciting transfer, and we’re sure that Luan’s fellow countryman, our head coach Wesley Mota, is also delighted with his arrival. Luan himself is very optimistic about this new chapter in his life, as it marks his first experience in Poland. So far, he describes the atmosphere in Kraków as truly magical.

Will Luan’s performances be just as magical? Watching his highlights, we can probably all agree on one clear answer. For those eager and excited for the season, check out the video below!

As always, we also asked our new player a few questions—so we invite you to read our interview with Luan Rocha!

Luan, bem-vindo a Cracóvia!

autHor: Stanisław Beciński

INTERVIEW WITH LUAN

Brazil, just like Poland, does not seem like a country with American football roots. How did your career start?

So I started in 2017, in the main team in my city, and in 2018 was where I started playing with the adult team – I was only 16 years old at that time.

Soccer is literally a religion in your country and there were many Brazilian icons that reshaped this sport so I was wondering – would you say the whole “joga bonito” and flairy style of soccer translates in any way to American football? Did you see any sort of resemblance of that mentality between these vastly different sports?

Yes, a lot, because the Brazilian people turn everything into a party, American football has become one of the sports we love the most, and we celebrated while playing, training and living from American football in Brazil.

Your list of achievements is truly impressive – if you had to pick one that’s really close to your heart, what would it be?

It is undoubtedly that of playing in the Brazilian national team, being able to be a South American champion with my team and represent my country. There is no stronger feeling than when you are on the field and you listen to the national anthem, equipped and wearing the colors of your country. It is a wonderful feeling.

As far as I know, this is your first stint with Europe and definitely with Poland. How do you feel about living in Kraków?

So far it has been a very wonderful experience. It’s on another continent and seeing and feeling other cultures is magical. I have a very good feeling about the city and the team, I know we will build great things together.

I’m sure Coach Mota had to be an important factor in your decision to sign with Kings – what else convinced you to come here?

I think that’s because of the history of the country and the team – I feel that we will all be on the same page and with the same goal.

If you had to describe yourself as a player and a teammate, what would it be?

I think I am dedicated and committed. I come from an athlete team that will always want to get the best of themselves and teammates. Whether in practice in the field, gym or games, I will always be present to help my teammates and take them to their best!