Iago Machado credits senior support after stepping up at Corinthians | OneFootball

Iago Machado has enjoyed a landmark fortnight at Corinthians, the 16-year-old centre-back crediting senior support as he steps into the first team.

According to Meu Timao, he thanked fellow defenders Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Paulista, João Pedro Tchoca and André Ramalho for helping his adaptation and spoke of targeting a big game.

Machado made his first start in the 2-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Maracanã, partnering João Pedro Tchoca in a rotated side. He then kept his place alongside Gustavo Henrique in the loss to Fluminense at the Neo Química Arena with leading names available.

In round 28, he was the youngest player to start for any of the 20 Brasileirão teams.

A futsal recruit to Parque São Jorge at the age of six, Machado emerged in 2025 with the Under-17s and was named Timãozinho’s best player at the 2026 Copinha.

He began working with the senior squad early this year and was included in matchday selections under Fernando Diniz.

An October 2025 contract addendum set a R$ 66 million domestic release clause, plus €100 million for foreign clubs, with his deal running until 16 April 2028.

With Gabriel Paulista recovering from a knee issue, Machado is pushing to keep his place. Corinthians visit Beira-Rio at 19:30 on Wednesday in the 29th round of the Brasileiro.

Source: Meu Timao

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