Many will step up: São Paulo Copinha standouts set for chances under Crespo | OneFootball

São Paulo had a great campaign in this Copinha 2026, fought until the end for the championship in Sunday's (25th) final, but ended up being surpassed by the good Cruzeiro team 2-1 at Arena Pacaembu. However, not all is lost. Many of the young players will be fully integrated by Crespo to join the professional squad.

Some names are already part of the main team and are known to the tricolor fans. Nicolas, Pedro Ferreira, and Paulinho are the main ones, having alternated between Copinha and Paulistão games this January.

After the defeat in the classic against Palmeiras, Hernán Crespo did not hide that he will take advantage of some young players from Cotia for São Paulo's challenging season.

“They will know first, many of them already know. I will watch this final tomorrow. I am seeing interesting things that need time, but numerically, in this complicated situation, it can be a great opportunity for many. To demonstrate and perform, it is a delicate moment for the club, but I think we have a great opportunity to show,” he said in a press conference on Saturday (24th).

The one who already had his promotion guaranteed was the leader of this youth, coach Allan Barcellos. After the final defeat, the club's president, Harry Massis, announced that the coach is now part of the permanent technical staff of the Tricolor's professional team.

AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR shows you the situation of the great highlights of São Paulo's under-20 team:

JOÃO PEDRO

João Pedro (Photo: Miguel Schincariol/SPFC)

The 19-year-old goalkeeper was promoted last year but returned to the base. One of the team's great leaders, he is expected to remain in the under-20 for another year, as Crespo has four goalkeepers in the professional team. But he can be called upon in any emergency.

IGOR FELISBERTO

Igor Felisberto (Photo: Rubens Chiri/SPFC)

One of the club's great revelations, the right-back is also a regular in the main team's call-ups. At 18, he has already been with the professional team in 2024, under Thiago Carpini, and now in 2026, under Crespo's command. A name to watch, but he may not have many chances yet, as the club has a pre-agreement with Lucas Ramon, who is expected to strengthen the tricolor's right-back in the coming months.

ISAC

Isac (Photo: Rubens Chiri/SPFC)

He was the great leader of the Tricolor in this Copinha. He has improved a lot since last year and, still at 19, is expected to continue another season in the base. However, he has already been listed by Crespo this year, but with the excess of defenders in the team, he should remain more as a 'backup' when necessary.

NICOLAS

Nicolas (Photo: Miguel Schincariol/SPFC)

A skillful left-back who already trains with the professionals, Nicolas played in the Copinha final but is already fully integrated into Crespo's team. He returns to work at Barra Funda to be the third option in the position, behind Enzo Díaz and Wendell.

MATHEUS FERREIRA

Matheus Ferreira (Photo: Miguel Schincariol/SPFC)

A strong, gritty midfielder with a lot of intensity and energy, Matheus was one of the best players in this Copinha, drawing a lot of attention. With experience in Brazil's youth national teams, including having played in the Under-17 World Cup in 2023, he is expected to wait a little longer for his promotion, as Crespo has many names for the position. But he is on the radar and should have opportunities throughout the year.

PEDRO FERREIRA

Pedro Ferreira (Photo: Rubens Chiri/SPFC)

One of Crespo's favorites, the number 10 from Cotia impressed a lot and will already be reintegrated into the professional squad, where he will remain from now on. With the losses of Oscar and Rodriguinho, he is the name gaining strength to take over the much-needed playmaker position for the Tricolor.

PAULINHO

Paulinho (Photo: Miguel Schincariol/SPFC)

Another who already has a permanent spot with the professionals but will need patience and a lot of determination. He has been used in emergencies but will have to compete with Calleri, André Silva, and Ryan Francisco, his former base partner, for a spot in Hernán Crespo's Tricolor. He was the team's top scorer in this Copinha, with decisive goals.

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