João Pedro promoted to Santos first team as Brazão back-up | OneFootball

João Pedro has been permanently promoted to Santos' senior squad, providing a goalkeeping option behind first-choice Gabriel Brazão, with Diógenes also available. The club recently loaned João Victor Fernandes to Confiança-SE.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the 17-year-old impressed for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in November. He is under contract until April 2027 and turns 18 on 18 March.

Despite being eligible for the under-20s, Santos did not register him for the Copa São Paulo. Rodrigo Falcão is expected to start the Copinha as he ages out.

Santos agreed a contract addendum with João Pedro in September, raising his salary. Standing 1.99 metres, he has yet to debut but is already registered for senior competitions.

During the 2024 Série B he was in squads against Amazonas, Vila Nova and Mirassol. He has regular Brazil youth call-ups and won the South American Under-17 title last year.

Born in Santos in March 2008, he began futsal at Gremetal as an outfield player before moving in goal due to height. His family arranged specialist goalkeeper training.

After passing a trial he joined Santos, spending nearly a decade in the academy and earning a reputation for standout saves, including penalties. He won the 2023 Paulista Under-17 and featured in the Brasileiro Under-17, Paulista Under-20 and last year's Copinha.

Source: Diario Do Peixe