Vasco expand youth pathway, reap academy gains amid CBF under-23 debate | OneFootball

After the CBF approved changes to expand under-23 slots, Vasco have doubled down on youth, using the Copa Sul-Americana as a proving ground.

According to Globo.com, the approach has delivered sporting and financial returns, epitomised by Rayan’s move to Bournemouth for 35 million euros, the biggest sale in the club’s history.

In 2026 Vasco kept a solid pipeline between academy and first team, with the Copa Sul-Americana group phase used to blood youngsters through rotation.

Midfielder Ramon Rique earned his chance in the tournament under Renato Gaúcho, who promoted him permanently after good displays. Under Pedro Emanuel, the 18-year-old has established himself as a midfield option.

Left-back Avellar impressed across five group matches, then appeared off the bench against Palmeiras in the 24th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at Nubank Parque.

Across the campaign Vasco used 14 homegrown players. Barros, 22, leads the group with 38 appearances after returning from a loan at América-MG last year.

The integration push was capped by the club’s first Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20 title. After a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Palmeiras at São Januário, Vasco won 2-0 away at Nubank Parque.

Andrey Fernandes, scorer of both goals in the final, is seen as a promising Brazil youth prospect. The 18-year-old forward made one senior appearance, coming on in the 2-1 loss to Mirassol on opening day, and has 38 matches and 28 goals for the under-20s this season.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”