Palmeiras has made headlines with its remarkable start to the 2025 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, defeating Náutico-RR by 9-0 on January 3rd at Arena Barueri. This victory not only marks the biggest win in the club's history at the Copinha but also indicates the depth and talent of its youth team, known as the 'Crias da Academia'. The game was attended by 9,000 fans, making it the highest-attended match of this year's tournament so far.
Leading the charge was 16-year-old striker Luighi, who scored two goals and assisted another, showcasing his promising talent. He has been pointed out as the next big star following the likes of Endrick and Estevão, who will be moving to Chelsea mid-year. Joining Luighi on the scoresheet were Thalys, who also netted twice, alongside contributions from Benedetti, Figueiredo, Agner, and Sorriso, each scoring one.
This opening match of Group 19 saw Palmeiras dominate from the get-go. Luighi scored the first goal just 16 minutes in, with Riquelme Fillipi setting him up perfectly. By the 41st minute, the scoreboard read 4-0, thanks to goals from Luighi and Benedetti, leaving no shadow of doubt about the Palestra's intentions for the tournament. The rout continued after halftime, with Figueiredo, Thalys, Agner, and Sorriso adding to the tally, reflecting the team's aggressive offense and exceptional teamwork.
Before the 2025 Copinha, Palmeiras had already established itself as one of the favorites to win the tournament, having claimed the title twice previously, first in 2022 and then defending it successfully last year. This year’s squad is not just aiming for their third title; they’re also on the hunt for their 133rd victory out of 237 games played historically at this competition.
The next challenge for the Verdão awaits on January 6th, against Santa Cruz-AC, where they look to continue their winning streak and solidify their place as tournament leaders. With Luighi's impressive performance and the team's overall well-rounded skill set, fans have every reason to be optimistic as this promising squad embarks on their championship quest.
This year’s edition of the competition has also seen other teams making their marks. The Ferroviária, for example, secured an 8-0 victory against Jaciobá-AL, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. The match between Oeste and Santa Cruz-AC ended in a draw, showcasing varied outcomes across Group 19.
The spotlight on young talent like Luighi extends beyond mere statistics; it reflects the continuous investment and success of the Palmeiras youth academy, which has cultivated numerous talents who have successfully made the leap to the professional level. The Palestra's approach underlines the importance of nurturing young athletes, keeping the club competitive not only at the junior levels but throughout its various squads.
Palmeiras continues to uphold its reputation as one of Brazil's most formidable clubs, claiming titles at multiple levels, including being the reigning champions of the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20. The future looks bright for the alviverde as they move forward, and their achievements at the Copinha could serve as another stepping stone for the next generation of Brazilian football stars.
After this historic performance, it’s clear the young athletes of Palmeiras are ready to make their mark. Fans eagerly await the next match, hoping for another exhilarating display of football as the team aims for another Copinha title and displays their undeniable potential on the national stage.