Mauricio proves his worth, becomes key for Palmeiras in 2026 | OneFootball

If the 2025 season served to test the depth of the Verdão squad, Mauricio was, without a doubt, one of the most resounding answers for Abel Ferreira. Signed halfway through the previous year, the midfielder used his first full cycle at the club to justify the high investment and finished the year as the main technical reference in the creative sector, projecting an even more prominent 2026.

Mauricio's numbers in 2025 are indisputable: he played 53 matches, starting in 36 of them. The leap in performance compared to his first semester (when he played 15 games and scored two goals) was accompanied by elite statistical output. The Palmeiras midfielder found the net 10 times and provided 11 assists, establishing himself as one of the most productive players in the entire squad.

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This was, in fact, the second highest-scoring season and the one with the most direct goal involvements in his entire career. His performance is only behind that of 2023, when he was still playing for Internacional and recorded 11 goals and 11 assists—the very performance that caught the attention of the Palmeiras board.

Mauricio’s consolidation as one of Abel Ferreira’s midfield pillars happened naturally, especially as he took on responsibility during Raphael Veiga’s inconsistent spell, who had previously been untouchable in the position. With personality, Mauricio filled the role, brought fluidity to the attack, and became the “provider” the team needed in decisive moments.

With activities wrapping up this December, the balance is extremely positive. Mauricio has gone from being an alternative to becoming a vital cog in the machine.

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