Midfielder nears 100 Corinthians games, talks season and future

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Central do Timão

·15 de octubre de 2025

Midfielder nears 100 Corinthians games, talks season and future

By Daniel Keppler / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Signed by Corinthians at the beginning of 2024, midfielder Raniele has experienced ups and downs, but is currently considered one of the key players in the black-and-white midfield, enjoying the trust of coach Dorival Júnior. Thanks to this, he will be able to celebrate this Wednesday, the 15th, against Santos in the Brasileirão, his 100th match wearing the People’s Team jersey.

The number 14 spoke about this and many other topics in an interview given to the portal Meu Timão, published on the outlet’s YouTube channel. The chat, which lasted about 16 minutes, allowed Raniele to talk about Corinthians’ season, his journey so far, project the black-and-white team’s run in the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil, and also praise some teammates. Check out the main statements:

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Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

100 matches for Corinthians

“Man, I’m really happy to reach this milestone. I confess that before coming here, even when I signed the contract, I didn’t imagine reaching this number of games. Neither reaching this number nor doing it so quickly. Although it could have been faster, right? If it weren’t for some injuries, some moments when I couldn’t play. But I’m very happy to achieve this, and I’ve had a career with quick stints at clubs. Now at Corinthians I can have continuity.”

Most memorable match

“Man, I think because of the energy in the game. I think the final here at the end of the Paulista was a game that really marked me here. I think my debut is also a very important game in my life. It was something I dreamed about a lot. When I arrived at Corinthians, I wanted the day of the first game to come soon so I could feel that energy. So I think those were two games that really stuck in my mind.”

Expectations for the Copa do Brasil

“A lot. I think the CBF changing the calendar and moving these games forward was positive for us. Because we have time to focus on the Brasileirão. By achieving our goals, we have more freedom to think about a separate competition, which is the Copa do Brasil. So we live with this expectation. Of course, we have to do our job in the Brasileirão. But we’re thinking about reaching the end of the year crowned with another title and final.”

Is Corinthians a favorite?

“I think we have four very capable teams today in the Copa do Brasil semifinals. Even in years when Corinthians wasn’t the favorite, we reached the final or semifinal. I think it’s very open. The competition has gotten very tight. Any team can be champion. But because of the energy in our stadium, our ability to change situations, Corinthians has always been like that. With our squad, we can be one of the favorites.”

Where to decide?

“I think deciding at home is much better. I think being able to do a good job away and decide here with our fans is a factor that can help a lot.”

Performance in the Brasileirão

“Last year we played a championship, a very poor campaign by Corinthians’ standards, we finished seventh or eighth, I don’t know the exact position. This year we’re having an inconsistent Brasileirão and in these last rounds, this final sprint, we have to score in all of them so Corinthians finishes in a position that matches reality. Finish among the top eight, have a regular end of the year, enter the Copa do Brasil focused and not chasing points.”

Team atmosphere

“We’re a group that gets along very well. It’s a pleasure to come to the training center to work, to meet my colleagues. The energy has been good since last year, we went through tough times, we managed to shield ourselves a lot. This relationship inside the training center is important. Keeping this is great, always joking around. Many people comment about us, but we’re not going to live sad. It’s easier to get results with energy and group synergy than with a sad day. I hope it stays that way.”

Is Raniele a leader?

“Maybe because of the number of games and continuity, yes. But I still don’t see myself that way, I still look up to many people in the group. I prefer to be guided by the guys than for someone to be guided by my attitude. It’s cool for the academy boys to admire us, but I prefer to follow others, follow examples, than to be an example. I consider myself a professional athlete, I take care of myself, I can be an example, but I prefer to follow references, like Gustavo Henrique, Maycon, André Ramalho, Hugo, Romero.”

Partnership with Maycon

“Maycon doesn’t surprise me at all, we already knew his quality. He suffered serious injuries, we rooted for him to recover quickly because he’s a reference for us and very intelligent. I like playing with guys like that, who understand the game, can do more than one role. When we play together, we adjust well. Criticism is normal. He proves his worth, always willing to help. He’s one of those who welcomed me when I arrived. I really enjoy playing alongside him, I hope it lasts.”

Playing as a third center-back

“I think it’s all a matter of perspective. My training is as a center-back, and when I turned pro, I played on the left. Coming up from the academy, they prioritized me playing there, making do. I played my whole career as a left center-back, because of my abilities. For me it’s comfortable, convenient. Dorival knows I can go into challenges because I have the characteristics of a midfielder. I feel comfortable and, if needed, I can help in that role.”

Breno Bidon’s development

“When we arrived last year, there was Bidon and Wesley, everyone talked about Wesley, but for me the real gem was Bidon. He’s proving his worth. I was criticized for this, but I think it’s wrong to criticize a kid his age so much, a guy who’s already shown quality. Bidon is shutting up those people, showing what he’s got. He has much more to develop, plays against strong teams and puts the game in his pocket. You just have to appreciate it and hope he evolves more.”

How would you line up the midfield?

“(I’d be) On the bench… I’m still the worst of them all, huh? There’s a lot of quality in the midfield: Carrillo, Garro, Maycon, Bidon. A lot of people can play several roles, which helps a lot. If I were the coach, I’d line them up and let them sort it out on the field. They’re players who can decide matches in just a few plays. We’re well served in midfield, thank God.”

Physical preparation

“Happy to have the athletes who were in the medical department back, players who have been pillars since last year. No one is happy with injuries, nor with having to be out. I’ve always taken care of myself, but I ended up getting injured more than I expected. I was very upset looking for answers, but I understood that it happens. Sometimes it’s God saving you from something worse. Happy that everyone is back, I want the medical department to be empty, the squad at 100%, to finish this year with good results.”

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