Coutinho targets first Copinha title with Palmeiras: "Aim is glory" | OneFootball

Starting player for the under-20 team of Palmeiras in 2025, midfielder Rafael Coutinho will be one of the most experienced in the squad for the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. The player, who has already been listed for a professional team match, seeks to win his first Copinha.

“It's a group with a lot of experience, with a winning mentality, I'm sure everyone here will enter with the goal of becoming champions,” said Coutinho.

“I participated in several squads where I was one of the youngest, and now I will have the opportunity to pass on this experience to those who are coming. This will be very important for my career. I joined Palmeiras in 2021, won titles in almost every category, so I have a lot of experience at the club,” continued the 19-year-old athlete.

Coutinho seeks first Copinha

The Palmeiras under-20 delegation returned to the Academia de Futebol 2 in Guarulhos on November 26, after taking a break at the end of this year's official competitions. Verdão ended the year as champions of the Brazilian category.

The players underwent a series of exams and have since been preparing at the Academia de Futebol for the Copinha debut against Monte Roraima-RR on January 5, at 7:30 PM (Brasília time), at Arena Crefisa Barueri.

“The season was very tough. We were champions of the Brazilian, had a very difficult Paulista. We took a few days off, managed to clear our minds, and came back with full force. The team is working very well, everyone is focused, with the same goal,” he said.

Palmeiras Group in the Copinha

Group 27

Host: Barueri

Palmeiras seeks the third championship

The Academy's Creations are in pursuit of their third Copinha title. The first came in 2022 when they defeated Santos 4-0 in the final. The following year, Alviverde became two-time champions by overcoming América-MG 2-1.

“The Copinha is the World Cup of the Youth. Everyone stops to watch, it's an opportunity we have to showcase our football to everyone. Fans follow it more because it's at the beginning of the year, so the Copinha is very significant for us. All the main Brazilian clubs play, it is very important for us who want to move up to the professional level,” he concluded.

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