Introduction: A Rising Star for the Faithful Fans
Felipe Longo Fernandes da Silva, known simply as Felipe Longo, is a name stirring the hearts of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista supporters in recent years. At 20 years old, born on March 5, 2005, this young goalkeeper embodies the essence of Corinthians’ youth academy: dedication, talent, and an unwavering passion for the club from Parque São Jorge. Born in São Paulo’s Tatuapé neighborhood, Felipe is not just an ascending athlete; he is a lifelong fan turning his personal story into inspiration for thousands of young dreamers aspiring to grace the pitch.
Standing at 1.89 meters tall and weighing 88 kilograms, Felipe combines an imposing physique with agility and sharp reflexes, essential traits for a modern goalkeeper. His journey, which began in football academies at age eight, reached a historic milestone in October 2025: his professional debut in the classic match against Santos at Vila Belmiro. This game, part of the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship, marked not only the start of his senior career but also the realization of a dream for a boy who grew up attending matches at Pacaembu Stadium. This article dives into Felipe Longo’s life, challenges, and achievements, highlighting the latest updates on his journey as of October 2025.
Early Steps: Childhood in Tatuapé and the Call of Football
From Academy to Futsal: Discovering Talent
Felipe Longo Fernandes da Silva was born on March 5, 2005, into a humble family in Tatuapé, a neighborhood close to Corinthians’ heart at Parque São Jorge. The son of Ronaldo Fernandes, a devoted father and avid Corinthians fan, Felipe grew up surrounded by the sounds of cheering crowds and the scent of freshly cut grass. At seven, he was already tirelessly playing street football with friends, dreaming of emulating the idols he watched on TV.
The turning point came in 2013 when, at eight years old, Felipe passed a tryout for Chute Inicial, a Corinthians initiative to scout young talent. “He arrived shy but with a grit that stood out,” Ronaldo recalled in a recent October 2025 interview with ge.globo. Initially, Felipe alternated between field football and futsal, a discipline that honed his footwork and game vision. In Corinthians’ futsal program, he was part of the “golden generation” of 2005, playing alongside future stars like Gabriel Moscardo and Wesley, who later shone at other clubs.
At 11, he transitioned fully to field football. Initially favoring the striker role, Felipe was persuaded by coaches to try goalkeeping. “He resisted, but once he caught his first ball as a goalkeeper, he never wanted to leave,” his father recounts. This early decision shaped his style: a confident keeper with precise ball distribution and a commanding presence in the box. At home, evenings were filled with videos of Cássio Ramos, Felipe’s ultimate idol, whose miraculous saves in the 2012 Club World Cup inspired the boy to mimic every move.
Family and Roots: Unwavering Support
The Fernandes da Silva family has always been Felipe’s backbone. Ronaldo, a mechanic, worked extra shifts to drive his son to training, while his mother, Maria Silva, prepared energy-packed snacks for long sessions at the Joaquim Grava Training Center. “Football was his dream, but it was ours too. We saw in him a chance for a better life,” Ronaldo says. This family unity is reflected in Felipe’s personality: humble, disciplined, and always grateful. In interviews, he often mentions how dinner-table conversations filled with stories of old Corinthians matches forged his competitive spirit.
Until age 14, Felipe balanced school and football, maintaining high grades alongside intense training. During this phase, he earned the nickname “Longo,” a playful nod to his early height, which set him apart from peers. These initial years weren’t all glory; minor injuries and the pressure of tryouts tested his resilience, but family support and his love for Corinthians kept him steadfast.
Corinthians’ Youth Academy: Forging a Champion
Youth Categories: Titles and Lasting Friendships
Joining Corinthians’ youth academy at 14, Felipe found his true home. The Itaquera Training Center, with its modern facilities, became his second residence. There, he progressed rapidly, becoming the undisputed starter for the under-15 team in 2019. His coaches praised not only his technique but his leadership: Felipe organized team drills and motivated teammates, embodying Corinthians’ collective spirit.
His first major test came in the 2022 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (Copinha), where, at 17, he was one of 30 players selected by coach Diogo Siston. Despite an uneven campaign, Felipe made crucial saves that secured tight qualifications. His breakout came in 2024 when, promoted to the under-20 team by António Oliveira, he took over as starter after Kauê’s injury and led Corinthians to the Copinha title, defeating Cruzeiro in the final. “I saved a penalty in the semis and stopped everything in the final. It was the happiest day of my life until then,” Felipe recalled in a post-match press conference.
Alongside Breno Bidon and other youth talents, Felipe formed bonds that transcend the pitch. “They’re like brothers to me. Together, we won the 2023 São Paulo Under-20 Championship and the Brazilian Supercup in the category,” he shares. These trophies—including the 2025 South American Under-20 Championship, where he was a starter and champion with Brazil—solidified his reputation as a gem of the “Terrão” (Corinthians’ youth system).
National Team Call-Ups and International Recognition
The Brazilian Under-20 National Team has long had its eye on Felipe. In 2024, he was called up for friendlies, impressing with his composure under pressure. In early 2025, alongside Bidon, he lifted the South American Under-20 Championship trophy, saving key penalties in the final against Argentina. “Representing Brazil is the pinnacle, but returning to Corinthians and applying what I’ve learned drives me,” he said after the tournament.
In September 2025, Ramon Menezes included him in the squad for the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, alongside players like Deivid Washington and Wesley. The team faced Mexico, Morocco, and Spain, with Felipe starting the first two matches and securing clean sheets to advance to the round of 16. However, Corinthians requested his release for the Brasileirão playoffs, prioritizing his integration into the senior team. “It was a tough decision, but I understood. The club is my priority,” he commented. This maturity at 20 sets him apart: he balances personal ambitions with loyalty to Corinthians.
Contract Renewal and Promotion: The Leap to the Pros
In 2024, Felipe renewed his contract until 2029, a clear sign of the club’s confidence. Promoted to the senior squad by Oliveira, he trained daily with Hugo Souza and Cássio, absorbing lessons from veterans. “Cássio taught me to read the game, Hugo how to handle the crowd’s pressure,” he reveals. In 2025, under Dorival Júnior, Felipe shone in simulated classics during training, paving the way for his big break.
Playing Style: The Complete 21st-Century Goalkeeper
Technical Attributes: Reflexes and Ball Distribution
Felipe Longo is the prototype of a modern goalkeeper: tall yet agile, his 1.89m frame covers the goal without sacrificing mobility. His reflexes in close-range saves are legendary in the youth ranks—in the 2024 Copinha, he had an 85% save rate on shots on target. Experts praise his elasticity, enabling spectacular dives to intercept crosses.
Dominant with his right foot, Felipe excels at ball distribution, initiating plays with precise long passes to wingbacks. “In futsal, I learned to think fast. It helps me distribute the ball like a libero,” he explains. His wide coverage area, honed through specific drills at the training center under goalkeeping coach Marcelo Carpes, equips him to handle fast-paced attacks.
Mentality: Composure Under Pressure and Leadership
What stands out most is his mentality. In high-stakes games, like the South American Under-20 Championship, Felipe never faltered, even with 40,000 opposing fans. “Corinthians’ supporters prepared me for this. They shout, but they support,” he jokes. His leadership shines in directing the defense, evident in 2025 open training sessions. Dorival Júnior praises him: “He has the club’s DNA: he fights to the end.”
Weaknesses? At 20, he’s still refining saves on mid-range shots, but progress is clear. In 2025 under-20 friendlies, he reduced goals conceded by 30% compared to 2024.
Defining Moments: From Youth Titles to Professional Debut
Youth Achievements: The Unforgettable Copinha
The 2024 Copa São Paulo was his springboard. With Kauê injured, Felipe stepped up and led Corinthians to glory, saving three penalties in the final. “I felt the stadium pulse. It was like Cássio was there with me,” he described. The title earned him call-ups and headlines, establishing him as the heir to Corinthians’ goal.
In the 2023 São Paulo Under-20 Championship, he was named the best goalkeeper, with 12 clean sheets in 18 games. These moments built his confidence, preparing him for the bigger leap.
The Classic Debut: October 2025 and a Dream Fulfilled
The pinnacle came on October 15, 2025, against Santos. With Hugo Souza suspended for a third yellow card and recently called up to the senior Brazilian National Team, Dorival gave Felipe the nod at Vila Belmiro. “I’m overjoyed! I’ve been with the club for nearly 12 years, and this is a special moment for me and my family,” he told the press hours before kickoff.
The match was intense: Corinthians pressed, but Santos took a 2-0 lead with goals from Barreal. Felipe struggled but made two miraculous saves in the second half, including one on a header from Lautaro Díaz. The final 2-1 scoreline in favor of Santos didn’t overshadow his performance: he prevented a rout and earned applause from rival fans. Post-match, his father Ronaldo wept in the stands: “Let’s hope this is the start of a great story.” Social media erupted with memes and praise, with fans dubbing him “Longo the Miraculous.”
The debut in a Paulista classic was poetic: a lifelong Corinthians fan who grew up in Pacaembu’s stands was now the hero under the spotlight.
Recent Updates: Challenges and Prospects in 2025
Post-Debut: Training and Potential Opportunities
After the October 15 classic, Felipe returned to intense training at the CT. Dorival praised him publicly: “He showed maturity. He could be the future of the goal.” With Hugo Souza away with the senior national team for friendlies against South Korea and Japan, there’s a chance for more minutes in the next round against Bahia. On October 16, club sources indicate he trained as a starter, focusing on aerial balls.
In September, his Under-20 World Cup call-up provided international experience: he reached the quarterfinals but was released early by Corinthians for the Brasileirão. “It was a fair trade. I want to conquer here first,” he said. His contract until 2029 shields him from transfer rumors, but European scouts, like those from Sporting Lisbon, are monitoring his progress.
Personal Life: Balance Off the Pitch
Off the field, Felipe is low-key. He enjoys video games, family barbecues, and visits to Tatuapé. In 2025, he began an online business administration course, planning for life after football. “Football is my passion, but I need to plan,” he confides. His Instagram, with 150,000 followers, features photos with the Copinha trophy and messages of gratitude to the Faithful fans.
Recent challenges include fan pressure after the 2-1 classic loss—some X posts criticized him, but most supported him. “Debuts are like that. I’ll grow from this,” he responded.
Promising Future: The Heir to Cássio
Expectations at Corinthians: Healthy Competition for the Goal
In the 2025 squad, Felipe competes with Hugo Souza and Matheus Donelli, but his youth works in his favor. Dorival plans a rotation in the Copa do Brasil, opening doors. “I want to be a starter, but I learn from everyone,” he says. Analysts predict 10 games by year-end, testing his consistency.
Internationally, a 2028 Olympic call-up is plausible, especially after the South American Under-20 Championship. Italian clubs, thanks to his dual Brazilian-Italian citizenship, are inquiring, but Felipe dreams of shining at Corinthians.
Legacy in the Making: Inspiring the Youth
Felipe Longo is already an idol in the youth ranks: young goalkeepers mimic him in training. His journey—from academy to classic debut—inspires. “I want to give back to the club that shaped me,” he says. In 2025, he participated in tryouts, offering personal tips.
Conclusion: An Open Chapter of Corinthians Glory
Felipe Longo Fernandes da Silva is more than a goalkeeper; he is the embodiment of the Corinthians dream. From a Tatuapé boy to a debutant at Vila Belmiro in October 2025, his 12-year journey with the club is culminating in a radiant future. With youth titles, national team call-ups, and a courageous debut, he carries Cássio’s legacy toward new triumphs. The Faithful, who watched him grow, now cheer him in the pros. Here’s to more miraculous saves and trophies raised. Felipe Longo is here to stay—and Corinthians is grateful.
