When you hear the name Mahatma Gandhi, you probably think of non-violence, India’s freedom struggle, or world peace. But on the football fields of Brazil, the name takes on a completely different meaning, however, inspired by the father of the nation.
In a surprising twist of identity, Mahatma Gandhi Heber Pio briefly made headlines not for politics, but for playing professional football.
Though the career of Mahatma Gandhi footballer was short-lived as he retired in 2017 after just a handful of matches, he often sparked double-takes wherever he went due to the historical connection in his name. So, who was this Brazilian footballer with one of the most iconic names in history?
Who is Mahatma Gandhi in Football?
Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name is Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires, is a former professional footballer from Brazil. Born on February 18, 1992, he began his career in 2011 with Goiânia Esporte Clube, based in the state of Goiás.
Although he played primarily at the regional level, he made 16 appearances in national league matches before retiring from professional football in 2017.
During his career, Mahatma Gandhi played as a defender and was associated with several clubs, including Atlético Goianiense, Trindade, Goiânia, and Iporá. Most of his appearances came in state-level competitions, with limited involvement in national leagues. He retired from professional football in 2017 at the age of 25.
The Story Behind Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires’ Name
Footballer Mahatma Gandhi Heberpio Mattos Pires was named by his parents in tribute to the Indian leader Mohandas Karamchand “Mahatma” Gandhi. Raised in Goiânia, their respect for Gandhi Ji’s principles of peace and non-violence inspired them to bestow that iconic name on their son.
Despite sharing a name with a global icon, Mahatma Gandhi Pires pursued a modest football career in Brazil. He began playing professionally in 2011 with Atlético Goianiense and later joined clubs like Trindade, Goiânia, and Iporá. However, he retired early at a younger age due to fewer opportunities.
Career Timeline: Mahatma Gandhi Footballer
Debuting in 2011 with Atlético Goianiense, the footballer Mahatma Gandhi went on to play for clubs like Trindade, Goiânia, and Iporá. Across a six-year span, he made 16 league appearances before retiring from professional football in 2017.
- Feb 18, 1992 – Born in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Nov 2011 – Signs first professional contract with Atlético Clube Goianiense
- 2011 – Makes Série A debut, mostly featured as a substitute
- 2012 – Appears in 7 Série A matches for Atlético-GO
- 2013 – Plays 4 Série B matches; debuts in Copa do Brasil
- 2014 – Contributes with 5 appearances to Atlético-GO’s Campeonato Goiano state league victory
- Mar 2016 – Loaned to Trindade Atlético Clube; plays at least once
- 2016 (later) – Loaned to Goiânia Esporte Clube; features in 4 matches
- 2017 – Loaned to Iporá, though he does not make any appearances
- Dec 1, 2017 – Plays his final professional match for Goiânia and announces retirement
Mahatma Gandhi Footballer: Club Career Overview
| Year(s) | Club | League Level | Appearances | Goals |
| 2011–2014 | Atlético Goianiense | Série A / Série B | 12 | 0 |
| 2016 | Trindade | State League (Goiano) | 1 | 0 |
| 2016–2017 | Goiânia EC | State League (Goiano) | 3 | 0 |
| 2017 | Iporá | No appearances | 0 | 0 |
| Total | — | — | 16 | 0 |
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Did the Father of the Nation Ever Play Sports?
After learning about Mahatma Gandhi footballer, it is only natural to wonder if Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, ever played sports. Although he was not known for athletic pursuits, Gandhi valued physical fitness and supported organized activities.
During his time in South Africa, Gandhi Ji helped establish the Passive Resisters Soccer Club to encourage discipline and unity among the Indian community through football, though there is no evidence that he played the game himself.
