Palmeiras prospect Arthur’s reinvention earns first-team chance after size struggles | OneFootball

Palmeiras left-back Arthur, 20, has reshaped his game to break into the first team, debuting as a starter in January’s 1-0 win over Mirassol and totalling four appearances, two of them from the off.

According to Globo.com, he was playing a video game when under-20 coach Lucas Andrade messaged to say he would train with the seniors for the first time, nearly a year ago. Eight months later, he began earning starts. He has spent half his life at the club after joining at under-11.

Undersized in his teens, he adapted by playing one touch to avoid physical duels, a solution he still leans on. Between under-14 and under-15 he weighed about 50kg, was 68kg at his first senior weigh-in and has since added 5kg of muscle. He now profiles as an attacking full-back who enjoys dribbling, carrying and running in behind.

Arthur is contracted until the end of 2029. Interest from Neom of Saudi Arabia last year did not progress, with first-team opportunities in 2026 in view. Andrade had described him as a rarity for his technique and problem-solving, and predicted he would find space with the seniors.

His senior bow came in January 2026 against Mirassol, and Abel Ferreira has praised his calm, pass-first delivery from the flank. He featured again in another victory over Mirassol last Sunday, building on his Paulistão displays.

Raised in Guarulhos, São Paulo, he started at Portuguesa at six and joined Palmeiras at 11. He learnt from academy peers Luighi and Allan, with guidance from Marcos Rocha, now at Grêmio, and Agustín Giay aiding his adaptation.

Source: Globo.com