From futsal at Gávea to the first team: meet Flamengo's new signing | OneFootball

16-year-old left back signs first professional contract with Flamengo

Flamengo announced this Monday (28) the first professional contract of Rafael Barreto Oliveira Souza, a 16-year-old left back. The young player, born on April 15, 2010, joined the club in 2016 to play for the futsal team at Gávea.

“Expectations for this new stage are very high. It’s a dream come true. God willing, I hope that one day I can wear the first-team shirt at the Maracanã,” the defender told the communication team of Mais Querido.

Who is Rafael Barreto?

After ten years wearing the shirt, Rafael is celebrating the fulfillment of a dream and looking ahead to the next steps of his journey at Flamengo. Currently, the left back plays for the club’s under-16 and under-17 teams. However, the youngster has not yet featured for the senior team.

What is Rafael Barreto’s record in the youth ranks?

According to OGol, the full-back has made 24 appearances, scored one goal, and provided no assists in Flamengo’s youth categories. In addition, Rafael was part of the squad that won the Copa Rio Under-16. Thus, the new contract recognizes the youngster’s development throughout his journey with the Rubro-Negro.

When is the next under-17 match?

Flamengo’s under-17 team takes the field this Wednesday (30) at 3 p.m. (Brasília time) against América-MG, with Flamengo as the home side. The match is valid for the 19th round of the Brazilian Under-17 Championship.

How is Flamengo doing in the competition standings?

Flamengo sits in sixth place with 30 points, while Palmeiras leads with 41. The top eight teams from this stage advance to the next round. So, Rubro-Negro still has room to improve its position before the end of the first stage.

Why could the youth academy gain even more space?

The trend of valuing youngsters like Rafael Barreto is also tied to the current landscape of Brazilian football. That is because the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is studying a gradual reduction in the number of foreign players allowed on the matchday squad in the Brasileirão.

The CBF’s idea is for youth academy players to have a greater presence in professional football. However, greater appreciation of young players is not guaranteed by reducing the number of foreigners, since clubs may instead choose to sign established Brazilian players who are in Europe.

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