Mandaca, Juventude hero, once dodged a shooting and debuted at Corinthians | OneFootball

Mandaca fired Juventude into the Copa do Brasil last 16 with a 3-1 win over São Paulo at Alfredo Jaconi, crowning a journey that once saw him dodge gunfire in João Pessoa.

The 24-year-old, out for three matches with an ankle issue, entered on 42 minutes of the second half with the score 2-1 and the tie heading for penalties. Six minutes later he stabbed in a rebound to seal progression.

"There were futsal offers, they wanted me in Dubai, but I dreamed of playing on the pitch and turning pro," he told ge.

After unsuccessful trials at Corinthians and Fluminense, he emerged at CSP in 2019 and soon debuted for Corinthians with a goal. "Fagner got Covid and Mancini used me at right-back. I did not expect it and to be blessed with the winner is impossible to explain," he said.

His nickname nods to Mandacaru, his João Pessoa neighbourhood. He recalled waiting on a corner for a game when someone opened fire. "The gun failed and we all ran, it was a narrow escape for me," he said.

Loaned from Corinthians for 2023 after Londrina, he helped win promotion, then signed permanently. Contracted until the end of 2026, he said, "As far as I know I will be here until the end of the year, unless a club comes and takes me. I am focused on Juventude and will always honour this shirt."

Source: Globo.com