One to watch: Heittor in the number 9 could shine at Copinha

In partnership with

Nosso Palestra

·4. Januar 2026

One to watch: Heittor in the number 9 could shine at Copinha

A name still not widely known by Palmeiras fans, the forward Heittor, aged 18, could be one of Verdão's revelations in the 2026 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. The young player will wear the number 9 jersey in the competition.

The forward joined the club in 2018 and began stacking up titles in the youth categories for the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20. After a series of injuries in 2024, he used his free time to focus on recovery and had an outstanding 2025, scoring 10 goals in 35 matches.

OneFootball Videos

He was listed for a professional game in October but did not take the field.

“It was a very important year for me, it was incredible. I couldn't play much in recent years because I had several injuries and wasn't performing well. I focused at the start of this year, didn't even take a proper vacation because I was treating an injury I suffered at the end of 2024. I started well upon returning. Lucas Andrade [Under-20 coach] saw me, and I managed to have an amazing year, which I always dreamed of. I hope to continue like this,” he told TV Palmeiras.

Heittor says he looks up to Endrick, the star of the 2022 edition for Verdão and now at Lyon, on loan from Real Madrid.

“Heittor is a very powerful player, fast and a finisher. I see a lot of myself in Endrick, who is also a strong and fast player. About the Copinha: it's every boy's dream, I'm very happy to be able to play. It's the opportunity everyone waits for. As everyone says, it's the World Cup of the youth categories.”

Palmeiras is in Group 27, based in Barueri, alongside Batalhão-TO, Monte Roraima-RR, and Remo. To watch the games for free, the alviverde fans can claim tickets at this link.

Verdão is in pursuit of their third Copinha title. The first trophy came in 2022, when the Academy's Youngsters thrashed Santos 4-0 in the final. The following year, the Alviverde became two-time champions by defeating América-MG 2-1 in the decision. In the next edition, Palestra will be part of Group 27, alongside Batalhão-TO, Monte Roraima-RR, and Remo, based in Barueri.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.