Afrobeats musician David Adeleke, better known by his stage name as Davido, has expressed worries about the negative effects of celebrity on mental health, claiming that successful public figures may feel too much pressure to stay relevant.
Davido stated in a recent interview that the transition from peak success to public criticism can occur swiftly and have profound psychological repercussions.
He mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo, a football player, pointing out that after Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, the athlete continued to face criticism despite a career full of league titles.
“Even in football, you win the World Cup, the Champions League, and other trophies, and people still don’t think it is enough. For instance, look at my good friend Ronaldo – after everything he’s done for football, they still laughed at him for exiting the World Cup.”
“That is my greatest fear. I have worked so hard for myself to come and spoil it with something. I pray to God every day to show me the right time.”
“If there is one thing I could build, I would build a therapy centre for people who were popular and very successful people. Because it is crazy to be on top of the world and the next moment you are not.”
This is an excellent suggestion. Many celebrities face immense pressure and challenges behind the scenes, and having access to a dedicated therapy hub could make a significant difference in their mental health and overall well-being.
Providing such support is a vital step toward helping them navigate the stresses of fame and live healthier, more balanced lives.