MAIDSTONE United goalkeeper Lucas Covolan was a hero in his FA Cup side’s giant-killing of Ipswich Town.
The Brazilian shotstopper saved shot after shot, as the visitors stunned the home fans at Portman Road.
But the 32-year-old, who won the man of the match award in the 2-1 win over Ipswich, is used to being the centre of attention
After all, in 2021 he scored a last-minute equaliser in the National League play-off final for Torquay against Hartlepool to send the game into extra-time.
Covolan’s career began in South America, where he played in youth teams alongside Phillippe Coutinho and Allan at Vasco da Gama.
His fine form saw him selected for the Brazil U20 side, where he starred with ex-Chelsea midfielder Oscar.
Read more football news
He would go on to earn two caps for his country at U20 level before moving to Spain and then the UK.
Speaking about his journey, he told The Guardian: “It was like a dream come true. Oscar [later of Chelsea] played in that Under-20s team – he was unbelievable.
“Everyone knew he was going to be a star. One time he arrived at training in a helicopter. We were like: ‘Oh my days!’”
However, although Oscar hit the dizzy heights of the Premier League – his compatriot’s career stalled in the lower leagues.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
In 2016, he signed for Whitehawk of the English National League South, then joined Worthing in 2017.
His most famous moment, though, came with Torquay United, where he played 55 games between 2019-2021.
The Gulls reached the National League play-off final in his last year with the club, and were trailing 1-0 to Hartlepool with the game deep in injury time.
With one last throw of the dice, Covolan came up for a long free kick that was pumped into the box.
Miraculously, his header sent the game into extra-time, before Torquay lost on penalties.
That moment made Covolan a viral sensation.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
