'Super Mario' Jardel (53) on his free fall: 'I stayed awake for a whole week'

The former Porto and Galatasaray striker opens up about his spiral into depression, alcohol and cocaine addiction after missing the 2002 World Cup.

Mário Jardel was one of Europe's most feared strikers around the turn of the millennium, scoring prolifically for FC Porto, Galatasaray and Sporting Portugal. But his career was derailed when Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari left him out of the 2002 World Cup squad in Japan and South Korea — a decision Jardel still cannot explain.

The omission triggered a severe mental health crisis. Jardel became depressed and began drinking heavily as his personal life unravelled: his first marriage ended and custody disputes over his children followed. In summer 2003, he used cocaine for the first time, reasoning he could do so during the off-season without fear of doping tests.

The drug use escalated dramatically — he stayed awake for an entire week before suffering an overdose. "I was close to death, but a friend saved my life," he recalls. "It was my absolute rock bottom."

Jardel eventually sought professional help, working with a psychiatrist for months. His recovery accelerated after meeting his second wife, Sandra, who he credits with showing him what life could mean. Today he works as an entrepreneur in Fortaleza and describes himself as happy. Reflecting on his darkest period, he offers advice to his younger self: "Use your head more and trust your instinct less."