I want to score more goals than Luiz Adriano over the course of my career at Shakhtar
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
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Shakhtar forward Kaua Elias talked about his childhood and idols, his transfer to the club, adaptation in Ukraine, goals for the season and football dreams in the extensive interview for Shakhtar TV
Here are the highlights from the conversation with the Orange-and-Blacks’ newcomer. Watch the full interview on Shakhtar’s official YouTube channel.
– Kaua, if you were given the task of telling about yourself as a person, what would you say?
– I think I always try to be who I am, to please my family, to be a worthy son to my parents and a representative of my family. Also to be a professional in my field. Since I’m a striker, I try to score goals, to benefit the team. Now I’m in a new league, which is really very exotic for me. I will have to learn a lot, but this is a challenge that I’m very pleased to face.
– And if we talk more specifically about the football side, what type of player are you in terms of your profile? What are your strong qualities?
– First of all, I think speed, dribbling and finishing. Also the ability to choose the right position, find the right place at the right time and, as I mentioned, to score goals and provide assists in the final phase.
– You’re at a point now that can be compared to when a child leaves home and begins adult life. In your case, you left Fluminense and continued your journey at Shakhtar. How do you feel during this period?
– Everything is fine, I’m very happy. I don’t consider this as some kind of bad change or a bad thing. This is a new country, a new challenge for me. Of course, I need some time to adapt, to acclimatize in a new country, on a new continent, but I believe that everything should be fine, and everything will definitely be fine! For my part, I will do everything I can to ensure my time at Shakhtar is positive.
– Is it true that at one time, it was your grandfather Jose Elias who helped you become a professional footballer? Tell us about his role in your life.
– Of course, my grandfather is a very important person in my life, he has an honourable place in my biography. Everyone who is close to me supported me, but my grandfather holds a special place because he was the one who introduced me to football, gave me the passion for the game of millions, and even helped with logistics to ensure I could get to the matches. He bought me football boots, he was always my support – as a football fan and a close person. He was the one who always believed in me, who was there for me, who never stopped believing in my football potential. This is a person who really played an important role in my development as a person and a professional player.
– In your first interview as a Shakhtar player, you mentioned how you found out about the interest from the Donetsk club. Can you recall that moment?
– Yes, of course, I’ll gladly tell you this story. It all started one day when I was returning from training with Fluminense. I came home and saw guests whom I definitely didn’t expect to see, whom my father later spoke to, and it really came as a surprise to me. Especially the fact that these people offered to have dinner surprised me even more. Later, out of the corner of my ear, I overheard a mention of Shakhtar, that there was interest in my transfer and that the club saw me as a reinforcement for competing in the Ukrainian Premier League and for many years to come. Honestly, I was completely shocked. I sat down in a chair to process everything that had happened. I really couldn’t believe that it was true, that this wasn’t my dream. Of course, after the shock came the feeling of happiness. And I was glad that it wasn't a dream...
– You said that you consulted with Douglas Costa before joining Shakhtar. What did he tell you about the club?
– We called him, I wanted to ask him about the club, about how everything is arranged here in general. He helped me a lot, told me about the Brazilian community, about the general situation in the club, how everything is going, and sincerely noted that he was really happy to be at Shakhtar, that he spent wonderful years of his life here. Of course, he strongly encouraged me to join the team. I heard only positive feedback from him about this potential transfer. So he helped me a lot and also played a key role in my decision to make this choice.
– After the transfer, the club’s media service introduced you to the fans as a Game Changer – a player capable of altering the course of events in the team’s favour. Do you think you will be able to radically influence the performance?
– I came here to help the team, and I really believe that I have every reason to consider myself a Game Changer for every match, as you emphasized. I’m here, and this is my goal. I want to help the team while also standing out through personal achievements.
– Ukrainian media draw parallels between you and former Shakhtar strikers. They write, in particular, the following: “Elias combines the efficiency and fighting spirit of Luiz Adriano, the self-possession of Eduardo and the gorgeous finishing of Facundo Ferreyra.” Do you agree with such comparisons?
– Yes, I tend to agree. I don’t know Facundo Ferreyra personally, but I do know the other two. I think this is a really nice compliment for me, a nice sign that I have potential and the opportunity to grow if I’m compared to such outstanding players. Of course, I will do everything to fulfil these expectations.
– And which former Brazilian Shakhtar players did you admire the most?
– Douglas Costa, Marlon, who also played for Fluminense. Also Pedrinho, I knew about him when he first appeared at Shakhtar. Of course, Tete and Luiz Adriano – he is very famous in Brazil.
– By the way, Luiz Adriano made 266 appearances for Shakhtar, scored 128 goals and is the top scorer in the club's history. And how many goals would you like to score for Shakhtar?
– I want to score as often as possible. Luiz Adriano is undoubtedly a standout figure in the club’s history, someone who netted many important goals, but I want to score at least one more than him over the course of my career at Shakhtar.
– Many footballers have their own special goal celebrations. How do you celebrate and can you tell us what it means?
– Of course, I’ll share it with you. I have only one celebration. I make one special gesture. Actually, there’s no specific meaning behind it, but it so happened that my friend started calling me 'matador,' which translates to 'killer.' If I’m not mistaken, it happened in a movie, I just liked it, it stuck with me and became a little tradition.
– Can you name the three best Brazilian footballers who are your idols?
– First of all, I should note that I won’t include Pele in this list because he’s from a completely different planet, a footballer of an entirely different level. In first place is Neymar, second is Ronaldo and third is Ronaldinho.
– Why them? What did you like about their play?
– Probably Neymar because the peak of his career fell on my childhood, I remember his game for Santos, it was something incredible. Ronaldo is a phenomenon, also something incredible, a person who made many fall in love with football, he could really turn the game in his team’s favour and scored some truly impressive goals. Actually, the same characteristics can be awarded to Ronaldinho. A person who made millions fall in love with football, which is why it’s called the game of millions.
– You have already made your debut for Shakhtar in the UPL. What do you think is the difference between Ukrainian and Brazilian football?
– I think that football in Brazil is more spectacular in terms of art, let’s say. You have more time to make decisions, more time to play with the ball, create a spectacle, and there is less emphasis on the physical aspect of the game. In Ukraine, the championship is very interesting, I felt it in the very first game. There is more emphasis on physical fitness, on the activity of moving with the ball, so this intensity is still unusual for me, but I really like it.
– And what can you say about the differences in weather conditions?
– It is very different here. I’m used to the fact that the normal situation in Brazil is when you go outside and it’s +40 degrees. Of course, the circumstances are different now, but I’m convinced that this will not affect our preparation for the game in any way, I’m in the process of adapting, especially since we have a team with a large Brazilian community, and this is also a significant plus for me. And in general, I like the cold, so I think the adaptation will not take long.
– You haven’t had time to see any cities other than Lviv yet, but you already have your first impressions of Ukraine and Ukrainians. What are these impressions?
– The people in Ukraine are very nice. I haven’t been here for long, but I really felt how warmly we were welcomed. If we talk about some architectural features, Lviv is very different from Brazilian cities, the streets and infrastructure in general are different. But I’m pleased to be here, and I will look for opportunities to see more Ukrainian cities.
– What is your objective for this season with Shakhtar and how many goals do you aim to score?
– As I always say, first of all I want to claim victories, win trophies, become a champion, successfully qualify for the Champions League. And, of course, to improve personally as a footballer and to score goals. If we talk about a specific number, unfortunately, I can’t answer, but let it be one that will be enough for us to become the best in Ukraine.
– And if we talk about your dreams and goals for a longer period of time, how do you see your football life in five years?
– Probably, the main goal is to play for the Brazil national team. As for club football, it is to win matches and titles, play in the Champions League and constantly continue to grow as a football player.
– At the end of our conversation, what would you like to say to all Shakhtar fans?
– I would like to thank the fans for their care, for the support that I have already felt even in such a short period of time. I’m sincerely glad to join the team, to achieve new victories together with you! Of course, now we are in a difficult tournament situation, we will have to work very thoroughly, but I’m convinced that we all have a wonderful background, good opportunities to change the situation in our favour. And I want to thank you for all your support!
– Kaua, if you were given the task of telling about yourself as a person, what would you say?
– I think I always try to be who I am, to please my family, to be a worthy son to my parents and a representative of my family. Also to be a professional in my field. Since I’m a striker, I try to score goals, to benefit the team. Now I’m in a new league, which is really very exotic for me. I will have to learn a lot, but this is a challenge that I’m very pleased to face.
– And if we talk more specifically about the football side, what type of player are you in terms of your profile? What are your strong qualities?
– First of all, I think speed, dribbling and finishing. Also the ability to choose the right position, find the right place at the right time and, as I mentioned, to score goals and provide assists in the final phase.
– You’re at a point now that can be compared to when a child leaves home and begins adult life. In your case, you left Fluminense and continued your journey at Shakhtar. How do you feel during this period?
– Everything is fine, I’m very happy. I don’t consider this as some kind of bad change or a bad thing. This is a new country, a new challenge for me. Of course, I need some time to adapt, to acclimatize in a new country, on a new continent, but I believe that everything should be fine, and everything will definitely be fine! For my part, I will do everything I can to ensure my time at Shakhtar is positive.
– Is it true that at one time, it was your grandfather Jose Elias who helped you become a professional footballer? Tell us about his role in your life.
– Of course, my grandfather is a very important person in my life, he has an honourable place in my biography. Everyone who is close to me supported me, but my grandfather holds a special place because he was the one who introduced me to football, gave me the passion for the game of millions, and even helped with logistics to ensure I could get to the matches. He bought me football boots, he was always my support – as a football fan and a close person. He was the one who always believed in me, who was there for me, who never stopped believing in my football potential. This is a person who really played an important role in my development as a person and a professional player.
– In your first interview as a Shakhtar player, you mentioned how you found out about the interest from the Donetsk club. Can you recall that moment?
– Yes, of course, I’ll gladly tell you this story. It all started one day when I was returning from training with Fluminense. I came home and saw guests whom I definitely didn’t expect to see, whom my father later spoke to, and it really came as a surprise to me. Especially the fact that these people offered to have dinner surprised me even more. Later, out of the corner of my ear, I overheard a mention of Shakhtar, that there was interest in my transfer and that the club saw me as a reinforcement for competing in the Ukrainian Premier League and for many years to come. Honestly, I was completely shocked. I sat down in a chair to process everything that had happened. I really couldn’t believe that it was true, that this wasn’t my dream. Of course, after the shock came the feeling of happiness. And I was glad that it wasn't a dream...
– You said that you consulted with Douglas Costa before joining Shakhtar. What did he tell you about the club?
– We called him, I wanted to ask him about the club, about how everything is arranged here in general. He helped me a lot, told me about the Brazilian community, about the general situation in the club, how everything is going, and sincerely noted that he was really happy to be at Shakhtar, that he spent wonderful years of his life here. Of course, he strongly encouraged me to join the team. I heard only positive feedback from him about this potential transfer. So he helped me a lot and also played a key role in my decision to make this choice.
– After the transfer, the club’s media service introduced you to the fans as a Game Changer – a player capable of altering the course of events in the team’s favour. Do you think you will be able to radically influence the performance?
– I came here to help the team, and I really believe that I have every reason to consider myself a Game Changer for every match, as you emphasized. I’m here, and this is my goal. I want to help the team while also standing out through personal achievements.
– Ukrainian media draw parallels between you and former Shakhtar strikers. They write, in particular, the following: “Elias combines the efficiency and fighting spirit of Luiz Adriano, the self-possession of Eduardo and the gorgeous finishing of Facundo Ferreyra.” Do you agree with such comparisons?
– Yes, I tend to agree. I don’t know Facundo Ferreyra personally, but I do know the other two. I think this is a really nice compliment for me, a nice sign that I have potential and the opportunity to grow if I’m compared to such outstanding players. Of course, I will do everything to fulfil these expectations.
– And which former Brazilian Shakhtar players did you admire the most?
– Douglas Costa, Marlon, who also played for Fluminense. Also Pedrinho, I knew about him when he first appeared at Shakhtar. Of course, Tete and Luiz Adriano – he is very famous in Brazil.
– By the way, Luiz Adriano made 266 appearances for Shakhtar, scored 128 goals and is the top scorer in the club's history. And how many goals would you like to score for Shakhtar?
– I want to score as often as possible. Luiz Adriano is undoubtedly a standout figure in the club’s history, someone who netted many important goals, but I want to score at least one more than him over the course of my career at Shakhtar.
– Many footballers have their own special goal celebrations. How do you celebrate and can you tell us what it means?
– Of course, I’ll share it with you. I have only one celebration. I make one special gesture. Actually, there’s no specific meaning behind it, but it so happened that my friend started calling me 'matador,' which translates to 'killer.' If I’m not mistaken, it happened in a movie, I just liked it, it stuck with me and became a little tradition.
– Can you name the three best Brazilian footballers who are your idols?
– First of all, I should note that I won’t include Pele in this list because he’s from a completely different planet, a footballer of an entirely different level. In first place is Neymar, second is Ronaldo and third is Ronaldinho.
– Why them? What did you like about their play?
– Probably Neymar because the peak of his career fell on my childhood, I remember his game for Santos, it was something incredible. Ronaldo is a phenomenon, also something incredible, a person who made many fall in love with football, he could really turn the game in his team’s favour and scored some truly impressive goals. Actually, the same characteristics can be awarded to Ronaldinho. A person who made millions fall in love with football, which is why it’s called the game of millions.
– You have already made your debut for Shakhtar in the UPL. What do you think is the difference between Ukrainian and Brazilian football?
– I think that football in Brazil is more spectacular in terms of art, let’s say. You have more time to make decisions, more time to play with the ball, create a spectacle, and there is less emphasis on the physical aspect of the game. In Ukraine, the championship is very interesting, I felt it in the very first game. There is more emphasis on physical fitness, on the activity of moving with the ball, so this intensity is still unusual for me, but I really like it.
– And what can you say about the differences in weather conditions?
– It is very different here. I’m used to the fact that the normal situation in Brazil is when you go outside and it’s +40 degrees. Of course, the circumstances are different now, but I’m convinced that this will not affect our preparation for the game in any way, I’m in the process of adapting, especially since we have a team with a large Brazilian community, and this is also a significant plus for me. And in general, I like the cold, so I think the adaptation will not take long.
– You haven’t had time to see any cities other than Lviv yet, but you already have your first impressions of Ukraine and Ukrainians. What are these impressions?
– The people in Ukraine are very nice. I haven’t been here for long, but I really felt how warmly we were welcomed. If we talk about some architectural features, Lviv is very different from Brazilian cities, the streets and infrastructure in general are different. But I’m pleased to be here, and I will look for opportunities to see more Ukrainian cities.
– What is your objective for this season with Shakhtar and how many goals do you aim to score?
– As I always say, first of all I want to claim victories, win trophies, become a champion, successfully qualify for the Champions League. And, of course, to improve personally as a footballer and to score goals. If we talk about a specific number, unfortunately, I can’t answer, but let it be one that will be enough for us to become the best in Ukraine.
– And if we talk about your dreams and goals for a longer period of time, how do you see your football life in five years?
– Probably, the main goal is to play for the Brazil national team. As for club football, it is to win matches and titles, play in the Champions League and constantly continue to grow as a football player.
– At the end of our conversation, what would you like to say to all Shakhtar fans?
– I would like to thank the fans for their care, for the support that I have already felt even in such a short period of time. I’m sincerely glad to join the team, to achieve new victories together with you! Of course, now we are in a difficult tournament situation, we will have to work very thoroughly, but I’m convinced that we all have a wonderful background, good opportunities to change the situation in our favour. And I want to thank you for all your support!