The "Seal Dribble" that Changed the Game: Kerlon Opens Up About His Infamous Technique
Remember the Brazilian midfielder who sent shockwaves through the football world with his unorthodox dribbling style? Kerlon, the 36-year-old attacking midfielder, is finally speaking out about the "seal dribble" that got him so much attention back in the day.
Kerlon’s unique technique involved using his head to continuously bounce the ball in the air, rather than using his feet. It was a move that left opponents and fans alike scratching their heads. Who would have thought that carrying the ball on your head would be a thing?
As Kerlon explains in an interview with The Athletic, the idea came from his dad, who would kick the ball high for him to head back down. "I did about four or five little headers in a row, keeping the ball up," he recalls. "My dad stopped and asked, ‘If you ran with the ball on your head like that, would it be a free kick?’ I said I didn’t know, but that we should find out."
The answer, surprisingly, was yes – it was legal. There was no rule against carrying the ball on your head, so Kerlon ran with it, literally. His "seal dribble" quickly became a fan favorite, with many hailing him as a creative genius.
However, not everyone was a fan of Kerlon’s antics. In 2007, Atletico Mineiro defender Dyego Coelho took umbrage with the young midfielder’s moves and elbowed him, earning a four-month ban. The incident sparked a debate about unsporting behavior, and eventually, the laws of the game were changed to allow referees to punish players for similar antics.
Despite the controversy, Kerlon’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. He went on to sign with Inter Milan in 2008, but knee injuries ultimately prevented him from becoming the world star he was touted to be. Instead, he ended his career as a journeyman, playing in various leagues around the world.
So, was the "seal dribble" completely legal? According to Kerlon, yes – it was just a clever way to get around the opposition. "When I was a very young kid, I would train a lot with my dad. Just us two," he says. "One day, he kicked the ball up high for me. It bounced on the floor and came up to my head. I did about four or five little headers in a row, keeping the ball up."
There you have it – the story behind the "seal dribble" that changed the game. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football!