Botafogo tie down academy gem until 2029, details inside | OneFootball

Botafogo decided to get ahead of the market and renewed the contract of 18-year-old forward Juninho until the end of 2029. The new deal includes a salary increase and reinforces the club’s strategy of protecting the main talents developed in its youth academy.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that the renewal comes amid Juninho’s development at the club. Still yet to make his first-team debut, the player has started to be monitored more closely by the coaching staff and is training in search of a chance under Tite.

The forward joined Botafogo in 2023 after drawing attention with his performances for Serrano. Since then, he has progressed through the youth ranks and gained ground among the players considered promising by the club.

Numbers caught attention

The biggest leap came last season, when Juninho stood out for the U-17 team. In 39 matches, the forward scored 25 goals, numbers that helped place him among the most highly rated names in Botafogo’s youth setup.

The move to the U-20s brought a new scenario for Juninho. In 2026, the player made 31 appearances, scored six goals, and provided five assists. Even with lower attacking numbers than in the previous period, he is still seen as a key part of the development process.

Juninho seeks space under Tite

The lack of a first-team debut does not mean a lack of attention. The Botafogo forward continues training and trying to show the coaching staff and, above all, Tite that he can be integrated into the senior squad.

The break caused by the FIFA international window also allows the Lone Star club to step up its work and expand its monitoring of players who could receive opportunities later in the season.

Botafogo targets derby in the Brasileirão

Botafogo currently sits in 12th place in the Brazilian Championship with 35 points. The team is six points ahead of Grêmio, the first club inside the relegation zone, and is looking for greater stability in the final stretch of the competition.

The next match will be against Vasco in a Rio derby for the 29th round of the Brazilian Championship Série A. The game is scheduled for October 7 at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Nilton Santos Stadium.

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