Marlon Freitas embodies leadership Palmeiras sought as he sets tone on and off pitch | OneFootball

Marlon Freitas has swiftly become the organiser and voice Palmeiras wanted, marshalling the press, defusing flashpoints and driving messages in the dressing room despite not wearing the armband.

According to Globo.com, the club pivoted its 2026 recruitment towards leadership and the midfielder has shown it from his debut, when he and Maurício led the press, and especially in the Choque-Rei win over São Paulo in the Paulista.

On the pitch he alternated between the deepest role and the second midfielder, and in that derby formed a midfield with Andreas Pereira for the first time. He regularly addressed the referee and stepped in for team-mates, telling Bruno Fuchs to cool his head after a foul, a moment later highlighted by the voice actor Velloso.

Reflecting recently, he said this is his game, that he has carried leadership for years and that demanding standards on the pitch will not stop. Those comments came as Palmeiras moved towards Paulista knockout qualification and opened the Brasileiro with a 2-2 draw at Atlético-MG in Belo Horizonte.

It echoes his Botafogo spell, where he often led talks in the dressing room and during cooling breaks, pushing for corrections and clarity.

Abel Ferreira said his arrival brings more than leadership, noting departures of Rocha, Mayke, Zé Rafael, Rony and Luan, adding that experience, nous and demands are vital this year. Freitas has five appearances so far, four as a starter, and is already a first-choice option.

Source: Globo.com