Flamengo gem Cristian Araújo wins 2nd title, scores in Copa Rio U16 final | OneFootball

Cristian Araújo came through Mirassol’s youth ranks

Flamengo are the current Copa Rio U-16 champions. As a result, 16-year-old midfielder Cristian Araújo won his second title with Mengão on Thursday (13), in less than three months at the club. Rubro-Negro beat Fluminense 4-0 at Marcelo Vieira, in Xerém.

A starter throughout the campaign, Cristian was once again decisive in a final. The midfielder pounced on the rebound after a save by the goalkeeper and scored the second goal, still in the first half, which helped the team overturn the 2-1 loss in the first leg and secure the title.

How are Flamengo’s youth teams doing?

The title extends Flamengo’s positive run in the U-16 category in 2026. In March, the team had already lifted the U-16 Recopa, also against Fluminense. In July, the Rubro-Negro youngsters won the Brasil Soccer Cup over Vasco in the final.

Now, with the Copa Rio, Rubro-Negro have reached their third trophy of the season in the category. Cristian has won two titles since arriving at the club in May. The youngster was in Mirassol’s youth system before playing in the Sacred Mantle.

What did Cristian say after the title?

“It’s very special to win another title with Flamengo, especially in this way, in a final against Fluminense and with such an important victory,” said the midfielder, who added:

“We knew we needed to play a great match after the result of the first leg, and the group showed a lot of character to come from behind. I’m very happy to have helped with a goal and to be able to celebrate another achievement wearing this shirt,” Cristian said.

What has Cristian achieved at Flamengo so far?

The Copa Rio came right after an important international experience for the midfielder. In August, Cristian played in the Adidas Cup Lima 2026, in Peru, a competition that brought together eight teams from different South American countries.

In the international tournament, Cristian played a decisive role from the opening match, when he scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Colo-Colo (CHL). In the third-place playoff, he found the net again against Alianza Lima (PER) and helped Flamengo end the tournament with a 2-1 victory.

Is Cristian already spending time with Flamengo’s senior squad?

Shortly after arriving, Cristian also had the opportunity to take part in a training session with Flamengo’s senior squad at Ninho do Urubu. The midfielder has a contract with the club until 2028, with an option to renew for one more season. In addition, the player’s release clause is 50 million euros (R$ 302.1 million) for foreign clubs.

“I’ve been living a very special moment since I arrived at Flamengo. I’ve had the opportunity to win titles, play in an international competition, face teams from other countries, and also train with the senior squad,” said the midfielder, who concluded:

“All of this makes me want to work even harder. I know I still have a lot to improve, but I’m happy with the path I’m building and I want to keep helping Flamengo on the pitch,” the youngster said.

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