Iago Machado shines on Corinthians debut as Diniz hails 17-year-old | OneFootball

Iago Machado, 17, impressed on his senior Corinthians debut at the Maracanã against Flamengo, unfazed by 70,000. According to Globo.com, Fernando Diniz praised his performance.

He learned on Friday he would start, told his family and focused his mind, noting Diniz's support was key.

He made his bow in the 27th round on Sunday, with Corinthians fielding a largely rotated team.

He said the professional game is more cautious and physical than youth football, and time with the seniors helped him be ready.

Diniz called him a rare 17-year-old centre-back capable of playing with such composure under heavy pressure. He added the staff are handling his development carefully given his age and role.

His chance came with Gustavo Henrique and Gabriel Paulista rested, and André Ramalho training only partially while recovering from labyrinthitis. He partnered João Pedro Tchoca, 22, another academy graduate.

At Corinthians since the age of six, he carries a €100 million release clause, drew European interest earlier this year, and has a salary adjustment set for October 2025.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”