One to watch: Sorriso is Palmeiras’ attacking bet in the Copinha

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Nosso Palestra

·3 January 2026

One to watch: Sorriso is Palmeiras’ attacking bet in the Copinha

Palmeiras is getting closer to its debut in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. On Monday (5th), the team will take the field against Monte Rorraima-RR at 5:30 PM (Brasília time) at Arena Crefisa Barueri. One of the team’s standouts and a hopeful for goals is the forward Sorriso, 20 years old, who will be saying goodbye to the youth categories after the tournament.

At the club since 2024, the Copinha itself played a fundamental role in the athlete’s journey. Sorriso caught Verdão’s attention after standing out in the 2024 edition of the tournament playing for Atlético Guaratinguerá, signing a contract with the green-and-white club after the competition ended.

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The forward had no trouble adapting, playing 44 and 45 matches in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively. In 2025, he had his most prolific year as a scorer, with 11 goals—compared to 10 in 2024.

“I’m sad that this is my last Copinha, but happy to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional player. I came from Guaratinguetá, after a Copinha, and before that I played for Rio Branco-AC. I got this opportunity to wear the Palmeiras shirt and it was a very quick adaptation, with the help of my teammates, the management, and the coaching staff. I had two great seasons, I’m very happy,” the forward told TV Palmeiras. “It was very important for me to get to Palmeiras. Before the Copinha, I was a bit discouraged, I didn’t want to continue anymore. My mother said it would be important to play the Copinha, she gave me the confidence and support I needed. With that help, I had an excellent tournament and got my chance here,” he added.

On the field, Sorriso stands out for his irreverence in individual plays, always looking to dribble when facing defenders on the wing. He was the sixth-best dribbler in the 2025 Paulista Under-20 Championship, according to SofaScore. In the Brasileirão, he averaged 4.7 successful dribbles per game—leading the stats among Palmeiras players.

Million-dollar contract

Sorriso had a loan contract with the club until July 2025 and was permanently acquired by Verdão in the last transfer window. He signed until June 2027.

In the deal with Atlético Guaratinguetá-SP, Palmeiras acquired 50% of the player’s economic rights.

NOSSO PALESTRA has learned that the new contract of the Academy Graduate includes a release clause of R$ 40 million for clubs in the domestic market and €50 million (about R$ 320 million at the current exchange rate) for clubs abroad.

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