Kaio César: lifelong Corinthians dream, debut ends with title | OneFootball

The forward Kaio César was introduced this Tuesday at the Dr. Joaquim Grava Training Center as a reinforcement for Corinthians for the 2026 season. The player revealed a long-standing desire to defend the colors of Timão and celebrated his debut with the title of the Supercopa do Brasil.

“Since last year, when the talks started, I was interested in coming here. I talked to my family, it was the place I wanted since the middle of last year. It's a big responsibility, they expect good football from me. Despite being young, I am prepared for this challenge. I believe I will have a good year with Corinthians,” said the athlete in a press conference.

“Not even in my best dreams did I imagine arriving here and being a champion in the first game, performing well. I was able to help my teammates in the way that was possible. I was very happy, the group welcomed me very well. It had been a while since I felt at home like this, everyone received me very well. It's good to start the year positively,” he added.

Kaio César debuted for Corinthians on the right foot. Besides lifting a trophy, the forward provided an assist for Yuri Alberto's goal. However, he believes he can deliver even more.

“It was one game, one assist, and one title, but I have a lot to show the fans. I have to manage well, not always when everything is going well am I the best. I have to keep my head to help Corinthians. I can help in various ways, my playing style is one-on-one, I go against the marking. I also help my teammates defend. I am prepared to help coach Dorival,” he commented.

(Photo: Fernando Bueno/Corinthians)

Help from Malcom

Former Corinthians player Malcom was involved in Kaio César's arrival. The "Son of Terrão" advised the young player to sign with Timão and has been assisting in the adaptation process.

“Malcom helped me a lot, especially being Brazilian. After last year's talks, he had already been saying it was a very good club with a wonderful fan base. When the team is not doing well, there is pressure, but the fans support a lot. He supported me in coming here, I talked to him. I am talking a lot with him about my adaptation and everything else,” he revealed.

The 21-year-old forward also said he was impressed with the Fiel's celebration at Mané Garrincha during the Supercopa do Brasil.

“It caught my attention because it was a game in Brasília and the Corinthians fans traveled from São Paulo to watch. It's a very supportive, wonderful fan base. I could see up close that it is a huge fan base. They helped us a lot to win this title. Seeing them there in the stands motivates us a lot,” he stated.

Problem with Height

Kaio César revealed that he had problems entering a football career due to his height. The athlete, who is 1.68m tall, was even dismissed from Sport's youth team at the age of 13.

“Few know, but at 13 I was dismissed from Sport because of my height. If I didn't have a family that supported me, I would have given up playing football. Not everyone can handle rejection. I went through that at that moment, but my family didn't let me give up. Soon after, I had the opportunity to go to Coritiba,” he said.

“We suffer a bit of prejudice because of height, a lot of teasing, but I take it in stride. There were many good short players, Messi, Romário, I have them as inspiration. Being short, I am faster, more agile, it helps my football. I don't think it's something that hinders me,” he added.

See also:  All the news from Gazeta Esportiva Gazeta Esportiva's YouTube Channel Follow Gazeta Esportiva on Instagram 

“Step Forward”

The athlete believes that leaving Saudi Arabia to play for Corinthians is a “step forward.” Kaio also played for Coritiba and Vitória de Guimarães before arriving at Al-Hilal.

“It was very good for me [the time abroad], it made me evolve a lot. When I left Coritiba, I was very young, without experience. Today, I've traveled, and I'm more prepared to be here. I don't think I returned to Corinthians because I didn't succeed there. Coming to Corinthians will never be not succeeding, it's a giant club. I'm sure I'm not taking a step back, I'm taking a step forward,” he concluded.

Kaio César arrives at Corinthians on a one-season loan from the Saudi club. Timão claims not to have spent any amount on the player's signing but will cover the young player's wages.

He is the fourth reinforcement for the team in 2026. The club has already confirmed the arrivals of Gabriel Paulista, Matheus Pereira, and Pedro Milans and is close to confirming goalkeeper João Ricardo. Coach Dorival Júnior believes the squad needs “five or six” more pieces to handle the extensive schedule.

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