Corinthians Under-20 full-back on leaving the academy: "I’m very ambitious"

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Central do Timão

·13 settembre 2025

Corinthians Under-20 full-back on leaving the academy: "I’m very ambitious"

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians defeated XV de Piracicaba 3-1, securing a spot in the third round of the Paulista Sub-20 Championship last Friday. One of the highlights of the match was right-back Gabriel Caipira, a starter and the scorer of the second goal of the game. In an interview with the Meu Timão portal, the player commented on his good form in the youth team and his preparation to fight for a place in the professional team.

"I'm in a good headspace. I'm also very ambitious in my work. I'm giving my all so that if an opportunity arises up there, I'm ready, which is what matters most. And coach William has been helping me a lot," he began in an interview with Meu Timão.

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Photo: ©Rodrigo Gazzanel / Ag. Corinthians

"There's me, Thomas (Lisboa) and (Fernando) Vera, who are already in our final year. But I'm preparing as much as possible, striving to improve every day, so when an opportunity arises in the main team, I can take advantage of it," he added.

Gabriel also reflected on his development in the Sub-20. After starting as a reserve, he gradually gained prominence over the seasons, until he established himself as a starter and captain of the team.

"I think I've managed to improve a lot in recent years. You also gain experience. There are great professionals who have helped me to become more experienced, more aware to be in this good phase. I think this is my best phase here in the Sub-20 and I want to end this last year of 20 with a bang, if God wills, to stay in the professional team," he reported.

The fullback also commented on his relationship with Dorival Júnior, coach of the main team, and the attention the manager has been giving to the youth categories. Gabriel has already been called up for a match of the main team, in the 2-1 victory over Sport.

"Dorival is a guy who pays a lot of attention to the youth team, he gives us a lot of feedback when we go up to train, a lot of tips, he adds to our training. He likes us to have this attitude of doing extra, of being interested, and that's what I strive for. When I get there, I have the opportunity. To train there, I try to give my all to adapt more and more, which is to play in the professional team," he concluded.

Corinthians now awaits the determination of the other qualifiers to know their opponent in the third round of the Paulista Sub-20. The matches are scheduled for the 19th and 26th of September, both games on Fridays.

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