Grêmio’s Carlos Vinícius once partnered Gabigol in Santos’ academy | OneFootball

Grêmio’s in-form forward Carlos Vinícius once lined up with Gabriel Barbosa in Santos’ youth ranks, and the pair meet again tonight in the Brasileirão’s 17th round.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Carlos Vinícius spent 2012 to 2014 in Santos’ academy and shared the 2012 Paulista Under-17 campaign with Gabriel Barbosa.

Both began that tournament on the bench, then earned starting roles. Vinícius was in his final year of the category, Barbosa a year younger in his first.

Barbosa finished as Santos’ top scorer with nine goals. Vinícius often featured in midfield and scored two.

That side also included goalkeeper João Paulo, currently on loan at Bahia, plus Fernando Medeiros, Serginho Soler and Victor Andrade.

Santos were eliminated in the third phase after finishing third in a group topped by Tanabi, with Grêmio Prudente second and Audax fourth.

After leaving Santos, Vinícius spent time in Palmeiras’ academy, then broke through at Rio Ave in 2018 before spells with Monaco, Benfica, Tottenham, PSV, Fulham and Galatasaray, later joining Grêmio.

This season he has 14 goals in 31 matches for Grêmio, including seven in the Campeonato Brasileiro. Barbosa has 10 in 24 for Santos, with four in the Brasileirão.

Source: Diario Do Peixe