João Ananias celebrates first senior Santos goal and eyes run with first team | OneFootball

João Ananias celebrated his first senior goal for Santos, coming on at half-time to score the second in a 3-0 friendly win over União São João at Pacaembu on Saturday.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the Under-20 centre-back has been training with the senior group and closely watched by the staff, and he has attracted market interest, with Benfica proposing a deal that did not advance as the Portuguese club sought to offset money owed from the signing of Rollheiser.

He called it an indescribable feeling to score in front of the Santos support and said his focus is to work hard and honour the shirt. He thanked coach Cuca for the chance against Bahia, noted he is earning minutes, and said he will wait for further opportunities.

A Brazil Under-20 call-up, Ananias made his professional debut as a starter in the 2-2 draw at Bahia on 25 April in round 13 of the Brasileirão at Fonte Nova. He has since featured against Coritiba and Vitória in Serie A and started versus Recoleta of Paraguay in the Sul-Americana.

In 2026 he has played five Copinha matches and seven in the Brasileiro Under-20. The 19-year-old is under contract with Santos until June 2030.

Source: Diario Do Peixe