Terrão graduate starts again, earns praise from Dorival Júnior

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·9 November 2025

Terrão graduate starts again, earns praise from Dorival Júnior

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

On the afternoon of this Sunday (9), Corinthians faced Ceará at the Neo Química Arena, in a match valid for the 33rd round of the Brazilian Championship, and was defeated 1-0. As a result, the Alvinegro dropped to 13th place with 42 points (11 wins, nine draws, and 13 losses – 35 goals scored and 38 conceded).

The match marked the second game of 18-year-old midfielder Dieguinho as a starter for Corinthians. In total, he has played eight games for the main team, without yet being involved in goals or providing assists. The first time was on August 3, in a 1-1 draw against Fortaleza at the Neo Química Arena, during the 18th round of the national tournament. On that occasion, the number 61 played for 45 minutes and was substituted at halftime.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

This afternoon, Dieguinho was the main highlight of the Corinthians team, despite the lackluster collective performance, playing on the right side of the diamond in midfield, seeking proximity with Rodrigo Garro. The youngster made good individual plays down the flanks and, through good moves down the side, won dangerous free kicks for the team.

After the match, coach Dorival Júnior gave a press conference and approved the young midfielder's performance: “The boy, I think he has qualities, as was shown, he has potential to develop further. He did a very well-developed and well-executed preparation job, and now it will depend exclusively on him. If he continues performing this way, he will find his place, for sure”, he said.

Over the 90 minutes, the "Son of Terrão" accumulated: 65 actions with the ball, three shots (one on target), 91% pass accuracy (39/43, with 29 in the attacking half), 3/4 successful dribbles, and 6/12 duels won (50%). Recently, Dieguinho extended his contract until December 2029 – the previous one ended in 2027, with a release clause of R$ 109 million for Brazilian clubs and 100 million euros (R$ 616 million) for foreign clubs.

After losing to Ceará 1-0 at the Neo Química Arena in the Brasileirão, Corinthians will return to the field to face São Paulo, in a derby that will again take place at the Neo Química Arena, on November 20, in a match valid for the 34th round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship.

See More: