Copa do Brasil 2025
The Copa do Brasil 2025, officially named the Copa Betano do Brasil, is the perfect stage for young Brazilian football talents to shine. Launched on February 18, 2025, the 37th edition of the tournament brings together 92 clubs from all 26 states and the Federal District, offering opportunities for new names to face giants like Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. In this article, we highlight the breakout stars of the Copa do Brasil 2025, focusing on standout performances in the early rounds and the third round (May 21–22, 2025). From Estevão of Palmeiras to prospects from smaller clubs like Retrô-PE, meet the young players making history. To follow the matches, check out our complete Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule.
Why Does the Copa do Brasil Uncover Talent?
The Copa do Brasil’s knockout format, inspired by competitions like the FA Cup, creates a high-pressure environment where young players can stand out. Smaller teams, such as CSA and Maringá-PR, face giants, giving lesser-known athletes a chance to showcase their potential. The record-breaking prize money of over R$101 million for the champion and a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores encourage clubs to bet on young players, who often become the tournament’s stars. In 2025, a new rule introducing penalty shootouts in the first round has heightened competitiveness, allowing talents from regional clubs, like Operário VG-MT, to gain visibility.
Breakout Stars of the Copa do Brasil 2025
The 2025 edition has already unveiled young players catching the attention of fans, scouts, and even international clubs. Below, we list five players who shone in the early rounds and the third round, based on their performances up to May 22, 2025:
1. Estevão (Palmeiras) – The Future of Brazilian Football
Estevão, just 18 years old, is the biggest breakout star of the Copa do Brasil 2025 so far. In the third round against Ceará (May 22), the forward scored a goal and provided an assist in Palmeiras’ 3–0 victory, displaying speed, dribbling, and precision. Compared to Neymar for his flair, Estevão has already tallied 2 goals and 3 assists in the tournament, making him a target for overseas transfers. His performance in a packed Allianz Parque was a highlight on platforms like ge.globo.com.
2. João Vitor (Retrô-PE) – The Star of the Underdog
João Vitor, a 20-year-old midfielder from Retrô-PE, was pivotal in the historic upset against Fortaleza in the third round (1–1, win on penalties). With precise passes and a decisive goal in the first round against Boavista-RJ, he stood out for his vision and bravery. Retrô, a Série C team, earned R$3,638,250 for reaching the round of 16, and João Vitor is already on the radar of Série B clubs. His story underscores the Copa do Brasil’s tradition of revealing regional talents.
3. Lucas Silva (CSA) – The Midfield Engine
At 19, Lucas Silva, a defensive midfielder for CSA, stunned in the victory against Grêmio in the third round. With precise tackles and a long-range goal, he was crucial to the Alagoas team’s qualification. Lucas had already shone in the first round against Tuna Luso-PA, showing defensive consistency and passing quality. His performance has drawn interest from Southeastern clubs, highlighting the Copa do Brasil’s impact for Northeastern teams.
4. Matheus Gonçalves (Maringá-PR) – The Lightning Forward
Matheus Gonçalves, 21, was Maringá-PR’s hero in the first round, scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 upset against Juventude. In the third round, despite a 0–2 loss to Atlético-MG, his speed and dribbling troubled the opposing defense. With 2 goals in the tournament, Matheus is a rising star in Paraná football, bringing visibility to Maringá, which has pocketed R$4,145,250 so far.
5. Gabriel Santos (Ceilândia-DF) – The Unlikely Goalscorer
Gabriel Santos, a 20-year-old forward from Ceilândia-DF, scored 2 goals in a 2–2 draw against Coritiba in the first round, advancing on penalties. His aerial prowess and precise finishing put him on the radar of Série B clubs. The R$1.83 million prize money will help Ceilândia invest in its youth academy, and Gabriel is proof that the Copa do Brasil is a breeding ground for talent.
Table of Breakout Stars (Up to the Third Round)
Check out the highlights of the breakout stars of the Copa do Brasil 2025 up to May 22:
| Player | Team | Age | Goals | Assists | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estevão | Palmeiras | 18 | 2 | 3 | Goal and assist vs. Ceará |
| João Vitor | Retrô-PE | 20 | 1 | 2 | Goal in 1st round, upset vs. Fortaleza |
| Lucas Silva | CSA | 19 | 1 | 1 | Goal vs. Grêmio |
| Matheus Gonçalves | Maringá-PR | 21 | 2 | 0 | Goal vs. Juventude |
| Gabriel Santos | Ceilândia-DF | 20 | 2 | 0 | Goals vs. Coritiba |
Source: Data based on CBF information and coverage up to May 22, 2025.
History of Breakout Stars in the Copa do Brasil
The Copa do Brasil is a breeding ground for young talent, and 2025 continues this tradition. Historically, players like Neymar (Santos, 2009), Gabriel Jesus (Palmeiras, 2015), and Vinicius Jr. (Flamengo, 2017) used the tournament as a springboard before shining in Europe. Other examples include:
- Romário (1989): Scored the first goal in Copa do Brasil history for Flamengo, launching his legendary career.
- Fred (2004): Emerged with América-MG, later becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 37 goals.
- Nenê (2020): At 39, became the oldest top scorer for Fluminense, showing the Copa do Brasil values talent of all ages.
Why Are These Players Shining?
Several factors explain the success of breakout stars in 2025:
- Knockout Format: The pressure of single-elimination matches favors bold young players like Estevão and João Vitor, who seize the moment.
- Smaller Clubs: Teams like Retrô and CSA rely on youth academy players to face giants, giving opportunities to names like Lucas Silva and Gabriel Santos.
- National Exposure: Broadcasts on Globo and SporTV, plus coverage on portals like UOL Esporte, put these players on the radar of major clubs.
- Prize Money: Rewards ranging from R$1.83 million (1st round) to R$3,638,250 (round of 16) encourage clubs to field promising youngsters, maximizing financial returns.
What to Expect in the Round of 16?
The round of 16, scheduled for July 29–31 and August 5–7, 2025, will be a critical test for these breakout stars. With an open draw and no seeded pots, players like Estevão could face underdogs like Retrô or CSA, creating thrilling matchups. Follow the upcoming games in our Copa do Brasil 2025 round of 16 schedule. Will João Vitor or Lucas Silva keep surprising?
How to Follow the Copa do Brasil 2025
To stay updated on the next breakout stars:
- Visit the official CBF website for results and statistics.
- Watch matches on Globo, SporTV, or Premiere.
- Check our Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule for updates.
- Read more about underdogs in our article Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025.
Join the Fanbase!
The breakout stars of the Copa do Brasil 2025 are writing their stories in Brazil’s most thrilling tournament. Bookmark this page to follow the next big talents and share on social media. Who will be the biggest revelation of 2025? Estevão, João Vitor, or another rising star? Share your predictions in the comments and embrace the excitement of the knockout stage!
