“Worth it when you make it”, Paquetá tells Flamengo youngsters

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Coluna do Fla

·2 October 2026

“Worth it when you make it”, Paquetá tells Flamengo youngsters

Lucas Paquetá was the guest invited to share experiences with Flamengo’s youth academy players

From one academy product to another. This Thursday (1st), Flamengo held the fourth edition of Papo de Campeão, a project that brings youth academy players closer to club icons. As part of it, Lucas Paquetá spoke with players from the 2013 and 2015 age groups, now on the under-13 and under-11 teams.

When I was in the academy, we saw the professional players from afar, but we wanted to be close to them. Seeing what Flamengo has become in that regard is very special. I hope they can make the most of that closeness to achieve their own dreams,” said Paquetá.

What did Paquetá say about being closer to the youth academy?

The academy product, now 28, also spoke about physical preparation and the importance of school and religion. Among his memories, he highlighted winning the 2016 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, when he also wore the No. 11 shirt.

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What did the younger players say about meeting Paquetá?

Bernardo Aiex, the No. 10 of the 2013 age group and at Flamengo since he was six years old, was one of those present at the meeting. “We all already knew Paquetá’s story. Being able to see that he went through moments similar to the ones we experience in the academy was very special,” he said.

I’m happy to see how connected he is to the club. When I watch the matches, I can notice movements that I bring into my own game. He’s a huge inspiration to me,” Bernardo said.

What did the coordinator of the Human Department say about the project?

Still, for Patrícia Negreiros, coordinator of the Human Department, Paquetá represents a role model who has already walked the path these youngsters are on. “Paquetá is a Garoto do Ninho and went through experiences similar to the ones these boys are living today. It’s very special to bring these two generations together,” she said.

Which other players have already taken part in Papo de Campeão?

The project has been an initiative of the current management since 2025. However, before Paquetá, Danilo and Jorginho had already met with boys from different youth academy generations. At the end of the meeting, Paquetá left a message for the youngsters:

The important thing is to keep working and dedicating yourselves, with the goal of earning your place and achieving your dream. Keep going, because it’s very worth it when you get there,” said the Mengão midfielder.

When will Flamengo return to the field after the FIFA international break?

Rubro-Negro’s first match is against Santos on October 8, starting at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, in the Brasileirão. Then the team hosts Fluminense at the Maracanã on the 11th, a Sunday, at 5:30 p.m., also in the Brasileirão.

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