Bruninho, from Brazil under-20s: living the dream in this shirt | OneFootball

Bruninho and the dream of playing for the Brazil Under-20 national teamCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF

Developed in Athletico-PR’s youth academy and recently transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine, forward Bruninho is one of the promising names in the Under-20 national team. Fast, agile, skillful in one-on-one situations and a good finisher, he has scored three goals for the team coached by Paulo Victor — netting twice against Paraguay in March in São Paulo, and scoring the other goal on Sunday (9) in a match against Bolivia in Teresópolis (RJ). If selected, he hopes to do the same in the national team’s next friendly — this Wednesday (12), also at Granja Comary, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro, again against Bolivia.

Bruninho was born in the city of São Paulo. From a very young age, he loved playing football and stood out for the bold way he carried the ball, taking on defenders fearlessly and with plenty of personality. At the age of 9, he was already making a name for himself at the Jardim Regina football school in São Paulo, where he played in local tournaments. One day, after another one of his standout performances, he impressed an Athletico-PR scout. Excited by what he had seen, the man wasted no time. He approached Bruninho and the player’s parents, Cristiane and Olavo, and convinced them all that the boy had to go for a trial at Furacão.

The family approved the idea, which was also backed by Bruninho’s uncles and godfather.

“I’ve always liked taking players on, going one-on-one, and that left opponents dizzy. That’s what caught the scout’s eye the most,” he said.

Bruninho (number 7) with the Brazil Under-20 national team in TeresópolisCredits: Rafael Ribeiro / CBF

Bruninho passed the trial with flying colors and soon began his journey at Athletico-PR. For the club from Paraná, he played at Under-9, Under-10, Under-11, Under-12, Under-13, Under-14, Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-20 levels, as well as making a few appearances for the senior team. He won six youth titles with the club. He kept his trademark qualities, and his reputation reached international prominence, culminating in his move to Shakhtar Donetsk.

“There are several dreams. One was being able to play here at Granja Comary, wearing this very weighty shirt of the Brazil national team, a place where Neymar and so many other stars have been. Another was playing in Europe, which became a reality this year. But first, here with the Under-20 national team, we have this preparation for next year’s South American Championship. We have a very qualified, united group, with many skillful, technical players, good defenders and a great coach, Paulo Victor. We are preparing ourselves to give our very best at the South American Championship,” he said.

Still speaking about his transfer to Shakhtar, Bruninho said he will have some difficulty with the local language, but that little by little he will learn to manage. He is also eagerly hoping to play in the Champions League and to face, as soon as possible, a player he looks up to, Spain’s Lamine Yamal. “God willing, I’ll have that opportunity.”

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