Negueba: The Brazilian Striker Who Conquered World Football
Introduction
Guilherme Ferreira Pinto, better known as Negueba, is a name that resonates in Brazilian and international football. Born in Rio de Janeiro on April 7, 1992, this fast and skillful forward began his journey in the sport as a child, navigating challenges and triumphs that shaped his career. With a path marked by stints at major Brazilian clubs and ventures abroad, Negueba embodies the resilience of many players who rise from youth academies to professional football. His ability to dribble past opponents, explosive speed, and knack for creating plays have made him a memorable figure, especially for Flamengo fans, where he first rose to prominence. Over the years, he has gained experience in various leagues, overcoming injuries, criticism, and moments of glory. This article explores his life, career, and contributions to the sport, highlighting the highs and lows of a player who never gave up on chasing his dream on the pitch.
Early Life and Development
Negueba was born into a humble family in Rio de Janeiro, a city renowned for producing football talents. From a young age, he showed a passion for the sport, starting not in traditional football but in futsal. At seven, in 1999, he joined Jacarepaguá Tênis Clube, where he honed his ball control and agility in the confined spaces of futsal courts—skills that would become his trademarks. The following year, he moved to Jequiá Iate Clube, continuing to develop in a competitive environment.
In 2001, at nine years old, Negueba was invited to join the youth academy of Flamengo, one of Brazil’s biggest clubs. This opportunity changed his life. In Flamengo’s youth ranks, he stood out for his speed and quick dribbling, earning the nickname “Negueba” due to his dark skin and joyful playing style. His coaches quickly recognized his potential, and he progressed rapidly through the under-13, under-15, and under-17 categories. During this period, Negueba faced challenges common to young athletes: family pressure, balancing studies with training, and fierce competition for a spot in the senior team.
His development was not just technical but also personal. At Flamengo, he learned values like discipline and teamwork, essential for surviving in the professional world. In interviews, Negueba often credits futsal for helping him adapt to the fast-paced nature of football, enabling him to excel in tight spaces. This solid foundation prepared him for the challenges ahead, transforming a boy from the streets of Rio into a Brazilian football prospect.
Career at Flamengo
Debut and Early Steps
Negueba’s professional career began in 2010 when, at 18, he earned his first chance with Flamengo’s senior team. Under coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, he debuted against Atlético Paranaense, coming off the bench in the second half and impressing with his speed. Though the match ended in a draw, Negueba showed flashes of talent that excited the Flamengo faithful.
In the following months, he alternated between the bench and the starting lineup, playing in the Brazilian Championship and the Carioca Championship. His ability to create plays from the right wing made him a valuable option in attack. In 2011, Negueba solidified his role, playing alongside stars like Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Thiago Neves. He scored his first professional goal in a victory against América-MG, a moment he describes as unforgettable. In his first stint at Flamengo, he played 86 matches and scored 5 goals, contributing assists that aided the team in key campaigns.
Standout in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior
One of the highlights of his youth career was the 2011 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, known as the Copinha. Negueba was Flamengo’s standout player in the tournament, leading the team to the title. In the final against Bahia, he scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory, securing Flamengo’s second Copinha title. His performance earned him comparisons to players like Robinho for his daring dribbles.
The Copinha was not just a team achievement; for Negueba, it validated years of hard work in the youth ranks. Named the tournament’s best player, with goals and assists that captivated scouts, his success accelerated his integration into the senior squad but also brought pressure: fans expected him to become the club’s next big star.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite his bright moments, Negueba faced criticism from fans and the media. His inconsistency, with brilliant performances followed by lackluster ones, sparked debates. In 2012, under coaches Joel Santana and Dorival Júnior, he experienced ups and downs, including a public spat with Dorival that led to a temporary suspension. He rejected an offer from Portugal’s Sporting, choosing to stay in Brazil to prove his worth. These episodes tested his mental resilience, teaching him to handle the pressures of high-level football.
Loan to São Paulo
In 2013, seeking more playing time, Negueba was loaned to São Paulo in a deal involving Cléber Santana. Expectations were high, but fate intervened: shortly after his unveiling, he suffered a serious right knee injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. The injury sidelined him for six months, derailing his plans to shine at Morumbi.
Upon returning, Negueba played just five matches for São Paulo, failing to score. Though he showed glimpses of his speed, the injury impacted his confidence and performance. At the end of the loan, São Paulo opted not to buy him, and he returned to Flamengo in 2014. This brief but turbulent stint taught him the importance of physical preparation and patience in the sport.
Return to Flamengo and Transition
Back at Flamengo in 2014, Negueba fought to regain his place. Under new coaches, he alternated between strong performances and time on the bench. He scored key goals in the Carioca Championship, but competition in attack led him to seek new opportunities. In 2015, he left Flamengo permanently after 86 matches and contributions that, while not making him a legend, left a positive mark on the club’s history.
Stint at Coritiba
In 2015, Negueba signed with Coritiba, where he found an environment conducive to a resurgence. In the Paraná State Championship, he shone with goals and assists, helping the team reach the latter stages. In the Brazilian Championship, he scored against rivals like Atlético Paranaense and Corinthians, earning the confidence of Coritiba fans. Over two years, he played 63 matches, scored 3 goals, and provided several assists.
His speed was crucial in counterattacks, and he formed effective partnerships with forwards like Kleber Gladiador. Despite Coritiba’s struggles in the league, Negueba was one of the few bright spots, proving he could perform at mid-tier clubs.
Experience at Grêmio
In 2016, Negueba was traded to Grêmio in a deal involving Edinho. In Porto Alegre, he had fewer opportunities, playing 11 matches and scoring one goal in a 3-0 win against América-MG. Though Grêmio won the Copa do Brasil that year, Negueba was not a central figure and was released at the season’s end. This brief stint taught him about adapting to new playing styles.
Other Brazilian Clubs
Atlético Goianiense, Ponte Preta, and Londrina
2017 was a year of transitions for Negueba. He started at Atlético Goianiense, playing 11 matches without scoring. He then moved to Ponte Preta, appearing in just 5 games. His best moment came on loan at Londrina in Série B, where he scored 2 goals in 14 matches, helping the team avoid relegation. These short stints reflect the instability common in many Brazilian players’ careers.
Return to the South with Criciúma
In 2022, Negueba returned to Brazil to play for Criciúma in Série B. In 6 matches, he didn’t score but provided assists. This brief spell served as a bridge to his international career.
Career in Asia
Success in South Korea
In 2018, Negueba ventured abroad, signing with Gyeongnam in South Korea’s K League. There, he found his best form, helping the team finish as runners-up in 2018 and earning a spot in the league’s team of the season. Over three years, he played 76 matches, scored 7 goals, and provided 9 assists. A 2019 injury slowed him down, but he bounced back strongly in 2020.
In 2021, he moved to Incheon United, playing 31 matches with 2 goals and 4 assists. South Korea shaped him into a more mature player, adapting to a tactical and physical style of football.
Adventure in Thailand
From 2022, Negueba moved to Thailand. With Port FC, he scored 5 goals in 35 matches. In 2023-2024, at Lamphun Warrior, he excelled with 7 goals and 7 assists in 39 games. Currently, in 2025, he plays for Ratchaburi, continuing to contribute his experience.
Achievements and Titles
Negueba has collected several titles: Carioca Championship (2011, 2014) and Copa do Brasil (2013) with Flamengo; K League runner-up (2018); and smaller honors like the Copinha (2011). His career stats include over 400 matches, around 40 goals, and numerous assists, reflecting a solid career.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Negueba is reserved. Married with children, he values family and shares personal moments on social media. He has faced online criticism but laughs it off, staying focused on football. His journey inspires young players, showing that perseverance overcomes obstacles.
Legacy and Future
At 33, Negueba leaves a legacy of resilience. From a Flamengo prospect to a veteran in Asia, he proves football is global. His future may involve a return to Brazil or continued play abroad, but his passion for the game remains unwavering.
