Palmeiras 2026 half-year review: Flaco López shines, Jefté disappoints | OneFootball

Palmeiras end the first half of 2026 as Paulista champions, top of the Brasileirão and into the last 16 of Copa do Brasil and Libertadores before the World Cup break. The campaign has delivered standouts and disappointments.

According to Globo.com, Flaco López is the standout, rewarded with Lionel Scaloni's World Cup call for Argentina. After 2025 returns of 25 goals and six assists in 64, he has 14 and eight in 35 this year.

Carlos Miguel has stabilised, conceding only 22 in 34 as he duels Weverton for the club's century-best goals-against average. Sharper on low shots, he decided away games at Corinthians and Flamengo.

Giay is undisputed at right-back with Abel Ferreira's backing, called for Argentina friendlies but omitted from the final list. Marlon Freitas has three goal involvements in 34 and leadership as a deputy captain.

Academy left-back Arthur, 20, stepped up during injuries to Piquerez and Jefté and has 20 outings in 2026. Andreas Pereira leads Brazil for assists with nine in the national league, plus four goals and strong defensive work.

Jefté has not seized the role after Piquerez's setback and is now a substitute, despite a fee around R$ 40 million. Confidence appears the issue, and he suffered a thigh injury after starting at Grêmio in April.

Khellven lost his spot to Giay but covered at left-back. Luighi has two in 17 after an opening-day strike against Portuguesa, while Felipe Anderson's late uptick cannot mask a return of three goals and three assists in 25 and a lack of urgency.

Source: Globo.com