Franchischinelli’s Family Supported him as a Soccer Player or Bull Rider

By: Jorge Cardoso

At the age of 6, João Lucas Franchischinelli was adopted by a typical family from São Paulo, who lives on a farm, works hard all day, takes good care of crops and animals and, of course, has a country way rooted in their blood.

João was raised with so much affection by the family that he even adopted its surname, Campos.

But he says he had a single problem in all of this.

“My uncle wanted me to be a soccer player, and he always took me to the fields, taught me rules, showed games by professionals,” he said. “My father, on the other hand, wanted me to become a bullfighter like him, and he held my feet so I could go ride bulls.”

Of course, this “problem” was always taken as a joke.

“It was too funny, the two of them wanting me to pick their sport,” he said.

A passionate Corinthians fan, Franchischinelli says that he even thought about being a soccer player.

“I play well today, under the influence of my uncle,” he said. “I don’t miss a Corinthians game, and whenever I can play soccer, I will.”

But the watershed moment was when he won his first prize at the age of 15.

“It was a motorcycle,” he said. “I couldn’t drive because I was too young, but it got me excited. I took the money for myself, and decided that I would become a bull rider.”

Deciding to follow in his father’s footsteps, he took two riding courses with Adriano Moraes, and received from his idol something that would make his dream come true.

“He told me that I rode well, and was going to refer me to join PBR Brazil,” Franchischinelli said. “I was too happy because I was going to make a child’s dream come true.”

Franchischinelli’s first participation in PBR Brazil took place in an event in the Access Division in 2017 in the city of Ibitinga, in São Paulo, on board the bull Horizonte for a score of 79.5.

But his debut as an elite bull rider in Brazil was in 2019 in the city of São José do Rio Pardo (SP).

“I can’t even explain how it felt when they called my name and I entered that arena at a PBR event,” he said.

He only managed to score in the first round on the bull Baile de Favela, for 80.5 points.

Franchischinelli started the season well and was one of the strongest contenders Rookie of the Year, but suffered a coccyx injury.

“It was right after Americana, from Iron Cowboy,” he said. “I was training for Brotas and ended up getting hurt. I had to compete at the national final in Brasilia in pain, and that’s why I didn’t do well.”

After the final stage, Franchischinelli went into treatment and followed a rigorous training routine four to five days a week.

“I don’t feel any more pain, and I’m riding well,” he said. “I’m ready for another season.”

About his dream, he explains that he will make his uncle and father happy.

“I want to win in Brazil, and go to the United States to fight to win the world title over there,” he said.

Franchischinelli finished the 2019 season of PBR Brazil in 10th place, with 802.50 points and a 46.7% riding average. He rode 14 bulls of the 30 he attempted, and had one score 90 points, in the fourth round in Divinópolis (MG) on board the bull Careta.

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