Richarlison's a good egg, isn't he?
Sure, his Tottenham career has ultimately underwhelmed, and it looks like it'll end rather sourly as well. Roberto De Zerbi left the Brazilian off his final Premier League squad for the season after Richarlison reportedly told the boss he wanted to leave in the summer.
Still, De Zerbi picked the striker for Spurs' opening league bout of the campaign, and a concerted effort seemingly wasn't made until the final week of the transfer window to sell the supposed wantaway star.
He was harshly castigated by supporters for Iliman Ndiaye rocking up in Manchester instead of north London, and is now in a cruel state of flux after failing to earn a move overseas. Trabzonspor had bids rejected, and a move to Brazilian outfit Vasco de Gama wasn't feasible. He could yet return home in the new year.
But instead of moping around until the winter, Richarlison is making an effort to stay fresh.
The Brazilian international has scored multiple goals at the World Cup and played 276 times in the Premier League, yet circumstances resulted in Richy taking his talents to the Jersey Mike's Trophy on Tuesday night.
"First-class" Richarlison is back doing what he loves most
Richarlison puts our Under-21s level against Cheltenham Town in the EFL Trophy ⚽️
— Tottenham Hotspur Academy (@Spurs_Academy) October 13, 2026
Follow the closing stages with our Match Centre ⤵️
📲 https://t.co/2p2DSYc0rw pic.twitter.com/jnYaXrj9ag
Those in attendance at Cheltenham's Waddon Road received quite the treat, as Richarlison was named in the starting lineup for Spurs' U21s.
The young Lilywhites were ultimately beaten on penalties after a 2-2 draw, and Spurs' No. 9 was on target in both normal time and the shootout. Richarlison's impish finish on the half-volley to draw the visitors level was characteristic of the Brazilian, who boasts stellar box instincts and is an excellent improviser when required to finish first time.
A team featuring Alfie Dorrington, preseason breakout starlet Malachi Hardy and captain James Rowswell joined in the celebrations, as the forward brought out the pigeon dance after scoring his first competitive goal since May.
On Instagram, after the match, the 29-year-old captioned a post: "Happy to do what I love most in life. I was missing it!" Comments came from Xavi Simons, Mathys Tel, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, Luca Williams-Barnett and Pape Matar Sarr, all thrilled for their teammate.
He's a universally liked figure in the dressing room, and his attitude was hailed "immaculate" by Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill.
"He could have easily come down here and thought, 'I am not too bothered about tonight.' We had a decent crowd here, but he's used to playing in front of 60,000 every week—when he gets picked anyway!" Cotterill said.
"But I thought his attitude tonight was first-class. It was great for our lads to play against someone of his stature."
One person in attendance said they saw Richarlison hang around for 20 minutes after the final whistle, taking pictures with Cheltenham and Spurs fans, as well as signing autographs.
A good egg, indeed.
Add us as a preferred source on Google