1977 Paulista hero backs Hugo Souza to become Corinthians idol

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Central do Timão

·24 October 2025

1977 Paulista hero backs Hugo Souza to become Corinthians idol

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Signed in July 2024, after the departures of Cássio and Carlos Miguel, goalkeeper Hugo Souza arrived at Corinthians with some skepticism but quickly won the trust of the fans and took on a prominent role in his first months with the Corinthians squad.

In an interview with Meu Timão on the evening of last Tuesday, October 21, during the event marking the launch of the restructuring of NECO (Corinthians Study Center), former midfielder Basílio – affectionately known as 'Angel Foot' by the Faithful Fans – spoke about the potential that the number 1 has to become an idol of the Alvinegro.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“Hugo has shown what we need. Since last year, when he arrived, and recently at the club, saving penalties, fighting, seeing the sacrifices the fans make, the demands made at the training center... He had the perception to gather all the players, go in front of the fans, and sing the poropopó. There, he won me over, as I'm sure he won all of you. Because this initiative, when we see it from the player himself, is demonstrated on the field, it's what you can say will make him an idol, for sure,” he began.

He continued: “So much so that it seems proposals have appeared, and he doesn't even want to listen. He is so happy here at a club that has valued his football, that he can be an example for all those who are there. Why? Because he has leadership within the group. And this is fundamental when you arrive in an environment where he absorbs everything very quickly. When he's in a difficult moment, sometimes he gets a little visit from those who make small demands, so he knows how to position himself to talk to the fans who are making the demands. I think this is the great example we can give. So recent at the club, but so dedicated and so victorious. When I say victorious, I mean because of his actions, his gestures.”

Since arriving at Corinthians, he has played 83 matches in the Corinthians jersey, with 42 wins, 22 draws, and 19 losses – almost 60% success rate. The number 1 was crucial in the team's surge in the 2024 Brasileirão, which ended with a spot in the preliminary phase of the 2025 Libertadores – seventh position with 56 points – and in this year's Copa do Brasil. He was also a starter and decisive in the Alvinegro's campaign in the Paulista title against Palmeiras, in Itaquera, saving Raphael Veiga's penalty in the final stage.

Basílio then praised the Corinthians fans and later recalled a special occasion with midfielder Raniele: “They absorb it when they wear this sacred mantle because they know the affection, the love of what I speak. It's a totally different fan. Different because of what we see. They are fanatics, but ours is not. Ours absorbs with the soul, it's a very difficult thing to absorb, especially for those who have credibility, who have love in their hearts. So, that's why I think it's a matter of time before we see the reflection, the return.”

“I watch the game with the coaching staff, and I meet several of them who are already playing, who are there, like Raniele, who even came awkwardly. He kept circling me. I said: 'What does Raniele want?' Then, suddenly, he came to ask me questions about when I played, what I thought. So, I found that very interesting. But he has an identity that we like too. I think that's how we're going to absorb it, make them understand that everything they do and represent, they have to know how to absorb with fight, with grit, but not forgetting to put the soul above all,” he concluded.

In 253 matches with the Corinthians jersey (223 as a starter), with 128 wins, 67 draws, and 58 losses – almost 60% success rate – with three titles won: Campeonato Paulista (1977 and 1979) and Taça Governador do Estado (1977). In addition, he scored 29 goals.

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