Lulinha recalls Corinthians arrival and pressure of being hailed as the club’s big prospect | OneFootball

Lulinha, once Corinthians’ standout prospect, has reflected on his rise, the pressure that followed and a career beyond Parque São Jorge.

According to Meu Timao, the forward was spotted at age eight in a trial of over 100 players, rose through every youth level, and debuted at 16. Interim coach Zé Augusto gave him his bow on 7 April 2007, a 2-0 win over América in the Campeonato Paulista.

Regarded as an outstanding academy talent with more than 300 youth goals and regular Brazil age-group call-ups, he drew overseas interest. Corinthians set a US$50 million release clause, initially turning down approaches from clubs in England and Germany.

His first senior goal came in his 28th appearance on 13 February 2008 at Serra Dourada, a 6-0 win over Barras in the Copa do Brasil.

He made 85 appearances for Corinthians, with 45 wins, 23 draws and 17 defeats, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists. He featured in the 2008 Série B title and the 2009 Paulista and Copa do Brasil wins.

After struggling for minutes, he was loaned to Estoril and Olhanense in Portugal and to Bahia, then left on a free in 2012. He said the step up came during a turbulent spell under Alberto Dualib and relegation, and his family kept him grounded.

Now 36, he has played in Brazil, South Korea, Cyprus, Japan and Indonesia, and has been with Madura United since 2022.

Source: Meu Timao

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