Terrão graduate on his mum, Dorival Júnior and life with Depay

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·17. Februar 2026

Terrão graduate on his mum, Dorival Júnior and life with Depay

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Considered one of the great revelations from Corinthians' youth categories in recent years, midfielder André Luiz has been capturing the attention of the Corinthians fans, especially in the way he perceives the game from the field even at just 19 years old. The young player gave an exclusive interview to Central do Timão and was asked about the importance of his mother so far in his short career.

“My mom is always with me, right? She was there in Brasília, now (in the Supercopa do Brasil final, against Flamengo), and whenever she can be there, she is closely following, she always makes that effort. She always shows up. Since I was little, she has also given up some of her things to accompany me,” he began.

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Later, he was asked about his meteoric rise from the youth categories to the professional level. After being promoted to the Under-20, he stood out in the category and, in a few months, was already participating in training with the main squad. The Son of Terrão also detailed his relationship with coach Dorival Júnior and how the coach has been contributing to his development as a professional athlete.

“I practically grew up there (youth training center), training there, and now I'm here with the professionals. Sometimes you stop to think, right? It seems crazy, but if you look at it (…) Six months ago I was there, and now I'm here. It feels like I'm living a dream, but it's true, seriously.”

“Dorival is a really good guy. I like him a lot, he helps me a lot. And the opportunities he gave me. He provides a lot of support, always helping me day by day, making some complements, and that allowed me to get into the games. And I thank him in training and daily. They trusted me, thank God, everything worked out,” he continued.

Shortly after, he talked about his relationship – especially among the younger players – with forward Memphis Depay, as well as mentioning his goals at Corinthians and inspirations, citing Paulinho and Elias, who had remarkable spells at the Parque São Jorge club in the last decade.

“We go with Portuguese there, the words in English, I start understanding over time, I understand a little, and it goes, the chat goes on (with Memphis). He also pays a lot of attention, to everyone, we like him a lot. I believe there are some, like, few characteristics there, each one on their own, but sometimes it ends up being a bit similar (to Paulinho and Elias). But, man, they are guys that I always follow / followed a lot.“

Finally, he mentioned his goals at Corinthians and the dream of playing in a World Cup for the Brazilian National Team: “Ah, at Corinthians, it's really good to win titles, right? To win more and more. And I will fight more and more for that. So, I also dream of getting a chance in the National Team,” he concluded.

André's Journey So Far in Corinthians' Professional Team

André was promoted to Corinthians' professional squad in mid-September 2025, after being observed by coach Dorival Júnior. The Son of Terrão had been standing out in the Under-20, which at the time had just recovered from a knee injury – causing him to miss the 2025 São Paulo Junior Football Cup. So far, he has scored four goals in 20 matches with the main team.

His promotion happened amid Corinthians' various financial difficulties, which had a sanction in effect from FIFA due to a million-dollar debt with Santos Laguna, Mexico, for the signing of Félix Torres in January 2024. In light of this, André Luiz became a 'homegrown reinforcement' and has since been fundamental in the machinery of Corinthians' professional squad, playing as a second midfielder, constantly reaching the area and with good physical vigor, enhancing his tackling ability.

Since being promoted, he has participated in the victories of the 2025 Copa do Brasil, against Vasco da Gama, at Maracanã, and the 2026 Supercopa do Brasil, against Flamengo, at Mané Garrincha Stadium, in Brasília.

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