Thiago Aprigio named Atlético's new grassroots co-ordinator

In partnership with

Clube Atlético Mineiro

·6 August 2026

Thiago Aprigio named Atlético's new grassroots co-ordinator

This Wednesday (5), the new Coordinator of Youth Football Initiation, Thiago Aprígio, was introduced to the parents of the Under-12 and Under-13 athletes and to the guardians of Educational Sports students aged 8 to 11. The professional takes over the position previously held by William Lima, a Club idol, who left Galo to take care of personal matters.

Thiago began his career at Volta Redonda, where he worked with all of the club’s youth categories. In 2014, he moved to Botafogo and took charge of the Under-17 team, remaining at the club until 2020, when he moved to Flamengo to work as a technical coordinator. Before arriving at Galo, he was at Cuiabá, where he took over the management of youth football in 2025.

OneFootball Videos

During the presentation, Aprigio spoke about joining Atlético and his commitment to the development of the athletes.

“I already worked with Luiz at Flamengo and I know very well how much care he gives to the Academy. You (guardians) can count on all my support on this new journey.”

William Lima began his path in Atlético’s youth ranks in 2004 with the club’s Under-20 team. In 2005, he captained the team that won the Taça BH and made his debut for Galo’s senior team. In 2006, he was an undisputed starter for the team that won the Brazilian Serie B Championship, helping Atlético return to the top tier of Brazilian football. He was also a starter in the 2007 Campeonato Mineiro title-winning campaign, the season in which he transferred to Real Betis of Spain.

In 2021, he returned once again to Atlético to work in the Club’s youth ranks. In 2023, he took over the coordination of initiation.

Photo: Arthur Henrique / Atlético

During the meeting with the parents, Lima thanked them for the support he received throughout the period in which he was in charge of initiation and announced his departure to return to his hometown, Ribeirão Preto, for family reasons.

“Our work is very important, but it is complemented by you. I ask that you take very good care of the boys when they are with you. That helps a lot in the development of new athletes.”

The General Manager of Atlético’s youth categories, Luiz Carlos Azevedo, also took the opportunity to present the new academy building to the parents and talk about the club’s plans for the initiation categories.

Photo: Arthur Henrique / Atlético

“Since I arrived at the club, we have been giving a great deal of attention to these categories, we increased trips, took part in bigger competitions… This was possible thanks to Lima’s work and will continue with Aprigio.”

Follow GALO on social media: @atletico and @galonabase