Midfielder Lucas Paquetá returned to Ninho do Urubu to inspire the young prospects of Flamengo‘s academy in another edition of the club’s institutional project.
The inseparable bond between players developed in Flamengo‘s youth categories and the idols who conquered the world has gained a new significant chapter. In an initiative promoted by the red-and-black management to strengthen ties between the sacrifices of the past and the present of those aspiring to professionalism, midfielder Lucas Paquetá visited the training center for an exclusive chat with the boys from the U-11 and U-13 teams.
The meeting is part of the institutional project that seeks to humanize sports role models for the so-called Garotos do Ninho (Boys of the Nest). During the conversation, the player, developed in Mais Querido‘s (The Most Beloved’s) lower divisions, shared experiences, challenges overcome, and the importance of staying grounded, balancing the intense training routine with dedication to studies and personal values.
Connection Between Generations at Ninho do Urubu
The initiative allowed children from the 2013 and 2015 generations to have direct contact with a player established in international football and the Brazilian national team. For the young talents, seeing up close someone who wore the same jersey and stayed in the same dorms provides a realistic perspective on the path to Mengão‘s (Flamengo’s nickname) first team.
The midfielder recalled significant moments from his development, highlighting the victory in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior in 2016. Lucas Paquetá stated during the event organized by the Rio de Janeiro club:
When I was in the academy, we saw the professional players from afar, but we wanted to be close. Seeing what Flamengo has become in this regard is very special. I hope they can take advantage of this proximity to achieve their own dreams.
Inspiration for Flamengo’s Future
The exchange of experiences reinforced the educational and human role that Flamengo aims to instill in the development of its athletes. Beyond the strictly tactical and technical aspects, topics such as discipline, physical preparation, and the relevance of education were openly discussed between the idol and the future stars of Brazilian soccer.
Young prospects, such as attacking midfielder Bernardo Aiex, highlighted the impact of absorbing advice from someone who has already walked the path desired by hundreds of boys in Rio de Janeiro. The young red-and-black athlete emphasized the importance of the visit:
Being able to realize that he went through similar moments to what we are living in the academy was very special. I can observe movements that I incorporate into my game. It’s a great inspiration for me.
While the youth academy plans for the future with integration initiatives, Flamengo‘s professional team is finalizing preparations for the decisive stretch of the season. Rubro-Negro (Flamengo’s nickname) returns its full focus to the upcoming rounds of the Campeonato Brasileiro (Brazilian Serie A), facing a traditional duel against Santos at Vila Belmiro, followed by the anticipated derby against Fluminense at the Maracanã Stadium, vital matches in the direct fight for the top positions in the national league standings.
Equipe M360
