Iago Machado could get first senior chance for Corinthians v Flamengo | OneFootball

The clash against Flamengo could mark an important moment for one of the most promising recent products of Corinthians’ youth academy. Center-back Iago Machado, 17, could get his first minutes with the senior team this Sunday (13) at 5:30 p.m. Brasília time, at the Maracanã, in the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship.

According to information published by Meu Timão, the defender is highly rated by Fernando Diniz’s coaching staff and could be used against the Rio-based side. The possibility gains strength because of the upcoming decisive match against Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarterfinals, which could lead the coach to rest some of his most-used players.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel / Corinthians

Although he has not yet made his debut for the first team, Iago is already part of the routine of Diniz’s squad. The youngster has been regularly included in the matchday squad and was on the bench in Corinthians’ last six matches.

Defensive system could see changes

At the moment, Gabriel Paulista and Gustavo Henrique make up the team’s main center-back pairing, while João Pedro Tchoca is the most commonly used alternative in the position. André Ramalho, meanwhile, is still recovering from a bout of labyrinthitis.

With the possibility of resting starters with the Libertadores in mind, Tchoca could get a chance from the beginning at the Maracanã. In this scenario, Iago emerges as another option for Fernando Diniz and could finally make his professional debut.

Corinthians will have little time between the two matches. After facing Flamengo on Sunday, the team returns to the pitch on Wednesday (16) at 9:30 p.m. to host Estudiantes at Neo Química Arena. Since the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, a simple win would send Timão into the semifinals of the continental competition.

Iago stands out in the youth ranks

Born in 2009, Iago Machado is regarded as one of the promising names to come through the club’s black-and-white youth setup. Even playing as a center-back, he has also shown attacking contribution in the youth categories.

In 2026, the defender has made 26 appearances across Corinthians’ Under-17 and Under-20 teams, scoring four goals. His performances and development in the youth ranks have led to the player becoming increasingly involved with the senior setup.

The player’s growing value is also reflected in his contract. In October 2025, Iago signed a contract extension with Corinthians and was given a release clause of R$ 66 million for Brazilian clubs, said to be the highest among the club’s youth players. For foreign teams, the clause is set at 100 million euros.

The center-back’s current contract with Corinthians runs until April 16, 2028.

Diniz could make changes in other areas as well

The possible changes to face Flamengo should not be limited to the defense. Fernando Diniz will also need to alter the midfield, since Allan will not be able to face the club that owns his rights.

As reported by ge, the loan agreement requires a payment of R$ 2 million for the midfielder to be allowed to play against Flamengo. Corinthians decided not to pay the amount and, as a result, Allan is out of the match at the Maracanã.

The expected changes are also driven by the need to manage the squad’s physical wear between the Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores. Corinthians are coming off a 1-1 draw with Estudiantes in La Plata and will have only one training session this Saturday (12) before traveling to Rio de Janeiro.

In the Brasileirão, Timão are looking to halt a run of four straight defeats and sit in 12th place with 32 points. Amid the attempt to recover in the domestic tournament and the proximity of a continental decider, the clash at the Maracanã could open the door for Iago Machado to take the first step in his professional football journey.

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