Corinthians sign six‑year‑old prodigy Enrico Almeida from Flamengo

When Enrico Almeida, football prodigy of just six years old, signed a contract with Sport Club Corinthians Paulista on 11 January 2025, the Brazilian football world stopped in its tracks.

The deal, struck with rival Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, represents an almost unheard‑of moment in professional sport: a child younger than most primary‑schoolers officially joining a senior club. The signing was announced during a brief press conference at the Corinthians training complex in São Paulo, and it instantly flooded social media, sparking debate about youth recruitment, legality, and the future of talent scouting.

Why this matters: the race for the next Neymar

Brazil has long been a breeding ground for football legends, and clubs have sharpened their scouting nets to snatch talent at ever‑earlier ages. Yet signing a six‑year‑old is a step beyond the usual academy enrollments that typically begin at eight or nine. The signing underscores how intense the competition has become between powerhouses like Corinthians and Flamengo to lock in potential superstars before they even step onto a professional pitch.

"We see Enrico as a rare blend of intuition, coordination, and sheer love for the game," said Anderson Barros, president of Corinthians, during the announcement. "Our goal is to give him the best environment to grow, both as a player and as a person. This isn’t a publicity stunt – it’s an investment in the future of Brazilian football."

How the deal was sealed

The transfer, reported by local sports outlet GloboEsporte on 11 January 2025, involved a symbolic agreement rather than a traditional salary package, given Enrico’s age. While exact financial terms remain undisclosed, sources close to the negotiations suggest a modest stipend for his family and a commitment to fund elite training, education, and medical care through the club’s youth academy.

Legal experts note that Brazilian law permits minors to sign "sporting contracts" under the auspices of a guardian, provided the agreement prioritises education and welfare. In this case, Enrico’s mother, Maria de Souza, signed on his behalf, and the contract includes clauses mandating school attendance and a capped training schedule to avoid burnout.

• Date of signing: 11 January 2025
• Clubs involved: Corinthians (São Paulo) and Flamengo (Rio de Janeiro)
• Player age: 6 years, 3 months
• Contract focus: Training, education, and health monitoring
• Public reaction: Over 2 million views on the announcement video within 24 hours

Reactions from the football community

Fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were split. One user wrote, "If a six‑year‑old can sign, what’s next? 4‑year‑olds?" while another cheered, "Finally, clubs are rewarding raw talent, not just agents and big‑name players." Former Brazilian international Rivaldo weighed in, noting, "We must protect children. Talent is a gift, but they need a childhood too."

International observers also chimed in. The BBC’s sports correspondent described the move as "a bold, if controversial, step that could reshape youth contracts across South America." Meanwhile, FIFA’s Committee on the Protection of Minors released a statement reminding clubs that any contract with a minor must meet strict educational and welfare standards.

Potential ripple effects

If Enrico flourishes, other clubs may accelerate their own youth‑signing strategies, potentially prompting a new wave of early‑age contracts. This could force the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to tighten regulations, similar to the 2021 amendment that limited the number of under‑12s in official youth tournaments.

Conversely, a misstep—such as over‑training or a public backlash—could cause clubs to retreat, reinforcing the current norm of signing players at age eight or older. The situation also raises ethical questions about commercialization of childhood talent, a debate that’s been simmering since the 1990s when clubs first began offering lucrative scholarships to twelve‑year‑olds.

What lies ahead for Enrico Almeida

Corinthians plan to integrate Enrico into their under‑13 academy group, allowing him to train alongside older peers while receiving age‑appropriate coaching. The club’s youth director, Carla Ribeiro, explained, "We’ll focus on fundamentals—ball control, spatial awareness, and fun. The contract guarantees that his schooling won’t be compromised. In three years, if he’s ready, we’ll consider a youth‑team debut."

In the meantime, Enrico’s family says the youngster is "just a kid who loves to kick a ball around the backyard". His mother, Maria, added, "We’re grateful for the support, but we’ll keep him grounded. Football is a dream, not his whole life yet."

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this affect other youth players in Brazil?

The signing could push other clubs to scout and contract younger children, potentially creating a new standard for early talent acquisition. However, it may also trigger stricter oversight from the CBF to ensure that education and welfare remain priorities, which could limit how far clubs can go with ultra‑young signings.

What legal hurdles exist for a six‑year‑old to sign a professional contract?

Brazilian law permits minors to enter sporting agreements only if a legal guardian signs and the contract includes guarantees for schooling, limited training hours, and health protections. FIFA also requires compliance with its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, which forbid exploitation and demand that any minor’s contract be proportionate to their development needs.

What are Corinthians' plans for Enrico's development?

Corinthians intend to place Enrico in their under‑13 academy, offering a balanced program of technical drills, school lessons, and psychological support. The club has promised a gradual increase in training intensity, with the aim of evaluating his readiness for competitive youth matches after he turns eight.

How have fans reacted to the signing?

Supporters are divided. Some praise Corinthians for recognizing raw talent early, while others worry about the pressure on a child. Online polls show roughly 55 % of fans favor the move, whereas 40 % express concerns about child welfare and the commercialization of youth sport.

Is this move likely to inspire other clubs worldwide?

If Enrico’s progression is positive and the contract holds up under scrutiny, major academies in Europe and South America may consider similar early signings. However, the unique legal framework in Brazil and the intense media spotlight make it a risky model that other clubs will watch closely before replicating.