No holding back: Lucas ends goal drought, regains confidence at São Paulo | OneFootball

The forward Lucas Moura has finally broken his scoring drought this season. After a year of ups and downs, the number 7 entered 2026 with a ‘brand new’ knee and found the net for the first time this year in São Paulo’s 2-1 victory over Primavera, in the seventh round of the Campeonato Paulista.

The striker started the season as a starter for São Paulo until the classic against Palmeiras, when he was rested due to the synthetic pitch. Afterwards, he gradually accumulated more minutes until, against Primavera, he was given another chance in the starting eleven—and he delivered, showing signs that he could return to being the ‘old Lucas’.

Lucas has been providing consistent responses at São Paulo. First, he changed the game when he came on in the second half against Santos and assisted Calleri’s equalizer. Then, against Primavera, he showcased his style of play: bursts of speed, acceleration, creativity, and converting chances.

“We know he’s our best player. Today, we saw the Lucas we want. Of course, he also gets frustrated when things don’t go as planned, but he’s a guy who gives 100% and loves São Paulo. That’s important for the club. He scored, dribbled, made diagonal runs. He played like the Lucas who played against Corinthians in 2023. I hope he keeps this up and we achieve great things with him,” said Calleri in the mixed zone.

The number 7 is therefore regaining confidence day by day at São Paulo. Coach Hernán Crespo praised the player, one of the leaders of the current squad, and emphasized that he deserves all the patience in the world during this comeback process after a year of injuries.

“We have to be patient. I said it, he deserves everyone’s patience. We know he’s a special player, we know the quality he has. We just need to be patient, we’re only at the beginning. The other day, I also said, we’re already starting to see things. Now, he needs to keep up this kind of play that he knows how to do. Score a goal, assist Calleri the next day. We’re starting to see things and we can believe. It’s very important that he’s not feeling pain. All of this helps his confidence,” said the coach.

“I really needed this,” says Lucas

Lucas’s goal against Primavera came in the second half. After a cross from Calleri to the far post, Lucas Ramon saved it and crossed back into the six-yard box. Danielzinho flicked it on, and the number 7, well positioned, smashed the ball into Primavera’s net.

The striker opened up after breaking his scoring drought this season and recalled the tough period, but made it clear that he’s recovered and has no limitations to return to playing at a high level.

“The most important thing is that I’m recovered, feeling good, and have no limitations. Game by game, I’m regaining my confidence and rhythm. The tendency is for me to get back to my usual self. I’m happy to score again at Morumbis, to feel that connection with the fans again. I really needed this. I want to keep it going,” said the player.

“I needed this, I was looking for this, right? My struggle started in March, when I got injured against Palmeiras. Fighting, trying to come back without pain. And now, finally, I did it. I want to enjoy this. Keep working hard, giving my best every day, so I can help the team, which is the most important thing,” he added.

Will the striker renew?

Lucas is in his final year of contract with São Paulo. The forward has not yet been approached by the board to renew his deal and said he intends to “enjoy the moment.”

“Not yet, they haven’t called yet. And it’s still very early. In this last year of my contract, my main goal is to enjoy it as much as I can. I don’t even want to talk about it [laughs]. Everyone knows São Paulo is the club I love, and I want to enjoy this year. Give my best so it’s a special season,” Lucas concluded.

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