“If we don’t make at least 200 million euros on these left-footers in the under-17 category, they can send us away because we are incompetent.” This was declared by Palmeiras’ youth coordinator, João Paulo Sampaio, in June 2022, in reference to a squad full of left-footers in last year’s Copa do Brasil U17.
Just over a year later, Verdão made its first millions - with the negotiation of Endrick to Real Madrid -, but also accumulated sporting gains: the “generation of R$ 1 billion” decided Palmeiras’ last four national titles at the base.
The achievements pass through the feet of the three icons of this generation of left-footers: Estêvão, Endrick and Luis Guilherme – who are three of the group of five boys, which also includes defender Fellipe Jack and midfielder Thalys.
The most recent of the titles happened this Saturday, when Estêvão overcame São Paulo and scored the three goals in the Brazilian Under-17 final - giving Palmeiras the title for the second year in a row.
– I think we deserve more for the group we have. It’s not just in 2006, but in all categories. Each team is united, we fight for each other and are crowned in the final – said the new Palmeiras jewel, on the sidelines, after the title hat-trick.
Before the number 10, there were three titles last year passed by this generation: the Brazilian Under-20, the Brazilian Under-17 and the Copa do Brasil Under-17.
Endrick scored the winning goal in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship in the 1-0 victory over Corinthians, and Luis Guilherme scored the winning goal against Grêmio, 2-1, in the Brazilian Under-17 Final. In the Copa do Brasil U17, finally, Endrick scored four of Palmeiras’ six goals in the final – in round-trip clashes with Vasco. The other two were from Figueiredo and Thalys.
Endrick and Luis Guilherme are a reality in the professional team now, oscillating between the starting lineup and the bench with coach Abel Ferreira, while Estêvão – at 16 years old – competes in under-17 and under-20 competitions.
– Of course I plan to reach higher levels, but first I want to win titles, score goals, move up to the professional ranks and, God willing, make a beautiful story for them – said Estêvão after the game.
At 16 years old, Estêvão has a contract with Palmeiras until April 2026 and is one of the main candidates for Palmeiras’ crown since Endrick became a professional.
Not surprisingly, the athlete has been constantly scouted by European football and even received offers from Paris Saint-Germain, for example – with figures that could reach 40 million euros.
The proposal, however, was rejected by Palmeiras, which has since envisaged greater appreciation after Copinha and throughout 2023.
Verdão has adopted a strategy of giving talents the opportunity to skip stages in the youth categories, to present difficulties beyond their categories – hence the anticipation in some cases, like Endrick himself and Luis Guilherme, for example. And the strategy has worked.
The pressure these kids are under in football is insane. People expect them to be world class at such a young age. I’m surprised we haven’t seen more backlash tbh.