João Vitor on fighting for his place and debut at Neo Química Arena

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Central do Timão

·12 gennaio 2026

João Vitor on fighting for his place and debut at Neo Química Arena

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Team

After Corinthians’ 3-0 victory over Ponte Preta in the first round of the Campeonato Paulista, right-back João Vitor, known as Jacaré, commented on the result, the preparation for the season, and the competition for a spot in the professional squad. The player also spoke about his debut at Neo Química Arena and the support he received from more experienced teammates.

Jacaré highlighted that the group has been preparing for the intense sequence of matches throughout the year and emphasized the internal support within the squad. “We have been preparing a lot. We know there will be many games this season. We’re here to add to the group, to help.”

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The player also commented on his relationship with Matheuzinho, the starter in his position, and the importance of daily interaction during training.

Matheuzinho is a really great guy, he’s helped me a lot every day in training, with crossing, movement. He’s supported me a lot. Even when I came on, he said: ‘Go, have a great game’.”

Another point discussed was his debut at Neo Química Arena, the player’s first time at the stadium wearing the Corinthians jersey.

“It was an indescribable feeling. When the fans were singing, I got goosebumps all over. I had never played at the Arena before, today was my debut and I was very happy to play with these fans.”

Additionally, Jacaré spoke about following his teammates from the youth squad who are still competing in the Copinha.

The heart races a bit too. I managed to play the first game with them, but then the management decided it was better not to. I watched the game in Jaú with my heart tight, racing, I prayed for them too. Glory to God that we qualified. Now we probably have a game against Guarani and we’re here cheering for them. Just as we’re here, we haven’t disconnected at all, we keep rooting for them.”

During the interview, Jacaré recalled a memorable episode from the Copa do Brasil final, when he decided to travel to Rio de Janeiro to support the team, even though he wasn’t on the squad list.

“I was going to the stands, yes, I had messaged Romero on Friday, I said: ‘Romero, I want to go to the game, can you get me a ticket?’. I said: ‘I’m going’. He gave me a ticket, I told my mom: ‘Mom, I’m going’. My mom said: ‘Son, I’ll pray, if it’s God’s will, you’ll go’. I said: ‘Amen, mom’. And I prayed too.

“On Saturday, the U-20s played a friendly against Red Bull Bragantino. We got home around 5 p.m. I had spoken with Tiago, Gui Negão’s agent, and Marina, and they bought me a bus ticket. I paid for everything properly. I got the bus at 7:50 p.m., arrived in Rio at 3:30 a.m. André Luiz, Tiago’s friend, picked me up. I couldn’t sleep, I was anxious for the game. I had only told Gui Negão I was going to Rio. He told Maycon, and they got together. Then he messaged me saying someone would contact me so I could go to the team hotel and they’d find a way to get me into the box.”

It was an incredible experience. I never expected to live through that. I was going to be in the stands singing and praying for them. Thank God, we won the title. In the second half, I couldn’t even watch the game, I just kept praying until the referee blew the whistle. When he did, I gave glory to God. I didn’t expect to go up on the podium, but the supervisor gave me a badge, I went up and got the medal too.”

Finally, the right-back commented on his conversation with coach Dorival Júnior and the preparation to seize opportunities.

It was a very good conversation. The coach told us to be ready, that opportunities would come. He gave us a lot of guidance and we’re ready to take the opportunity and show our football,” he concluded.

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