Mailton: São Paulo is my biggest challenge, I'll give my all | OneFootball

Mailton was officially introduced by São Paulo this Wednesday, at SuperCT. The right back, who has been on loan to Chapecoense since 2024, considered his arrival at Tricolor as the biggest challenge of his career.

“Without a doubt (it's the biggest challenge). A team the size of São Paulo, betting on you and seeking you from the B series, I think yes, it's a big challenge. And today I am very prepared and very fulfilled. I am very happy to be here, as I have said many times. It's a great joy to wear the São Paulo shirt and I will give my life here”, said Mailton.

Trained in the youth categories of Palmeiras, Mailton was revealed by Santa Cruz in 2018. He then had stints at Mirassol, Operário-PR, Atlético-MG and Coritiba before arriving at Metalist, from Ukraine, in July 2021.

In Ukrainian football, the right back played only six games and was loaned to Chapecoense (twice) and Ponte Preta. At Chapecó's team, the player experienced the best moments of his career.

Adding the two stints, there were 76 games, nine goals, and 12 assists. Only this season, he played 30 matches, scored seven times, and made nine assists. Until his departure, he was the top scorer and leader in direct participations of Chapecoense in 2025.

Copa Libertadores

In addition, the 27-year-old right back will compete in the Copa Libertadores for the first time in his career. He revealed that he followed São Paulo's qualification over Atlético Nacional, from Colombia, in the round of 16, directly from Morumbis.

“When it comes to Libertadores and a three-time champion team, it's a huge responsibility. We know the importance of the game for us. It's about being ready, because if Crespo opts, we need to do our best and come out with the qualification. That's what we're going to seek”, he projected.

Mailton will be able to make his debut in the continental competition on September 18, Thursday, at 7 pm (Brasília time), when Tricolor visits LDU, for the first leg of the quarterfinals, at Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, in Quito, Ecuador.

The return match takes place on the 25th, Thursday, at 7 pm, at Morumbis.

São Paulo's Calendar

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