Striker Kevin Viveros gained international prominence on Monday. The newspaper AS, from Colômbia, featured the Athletico player on the cover and pointed to him as a possible surprise in the final call-up of the Colombian team for Copa from Mundo. The publication placed the center forward in the race for a place among the 26 called up by coach Néstor Lorenzo, ahead of other candidates for the position of the team’s third striker.
According to the Colombian outlet, Viveros would surpass names like Cucho Hernández, from Betis, into Espanha, and Borré, from Internacional, to occupy the position. Luis Suárez, from Sporting, and Jhon Córdoba, from FK Krasnodar, already have their places guaranteed in the delegation. The AS report highlighted that Furacão is the perfect place for Viveros to gain experience and visibility before the international tournament.
Artilheiro featured on Brasileirão
Viveros has scored eight goals for Brasileirão so far and has nine goals in the net in 16 games this season, as well as one assist. Seu’s performance places him among the top strikers in the championship and caught the attention of European clubs and the Colombian national team itself. The player was never called up to the main team, but he has appeared on pre-lists recently, signaling the interest of Néstor Lorenzo’s coaching staff.
- Aproveitamento overall in 2026: 9 goals in 16 matches
- Atuações decisive: 2 goals in the 3-1 victory over Vitória
- Histórico on Furacão: 19 goals in 41 games since August 2025
- Posicionamento in artillery: among Brasileirão’s top scorers
- Reconhecimento international: featured in Colombian press vehicles
The impressive performance earned the 26-year-old center forward a place among the foreigners with the most goals in the history of Athletico. Viveros surpassed Canobbio, currently at Fluminense, and continues to advance in the institution’s historical ranking. Sua consistency on the field and ability to decide games have been fundamental for the team from Paraná this season.
Interesse from the European market and red-black refusal
The striker’s good form aroused the interest of bigger clubs in European football. Flamengo, Athletico’s great rival, also expressed interest in having Viveros’s services. The Furacão board, however, rejected a proposal of 18 million dollars, equivalent to approximately R$89.5 million, for the center forward. President Mario Celso Petraglia revealed the refusal during an Conselho Deliberativo meeting the previous week, making it clear that the club does not negotiate Viveros for figures below internal expectations.
The refusal demonstrates the trust that the Athletico leadership places in the player and his strategic importance for the season’s objectives. The club understands that Viveros is on the rise and that his stay is essential to maintain the technical and competitive quality of the squad. The determination to keep the center forward reinforces Furacão’s sporting project for the national championship and possible participation in international tournaments.
Trajetória and consolidation in Brazilian football
Viveros joined Athletico in August last year and quickly established himself as a key player in the Red and Black attack. In his first months at the club, he demonstrated technical ability, speed and decision-making power that pleased the fans and the coaching staff. The center forward adapted well to the Brazilian football style of play and gained trust among teammates and coaches.
Sua’s trajectory at Furacão marks an important point in his professional career. Vindo from Colômbia with moderate expectations, Viveros surpassed initial projections and became a recurring name in national sports headlines. With each match, the player adds value to his CV and strengthens arguments for a possible call-up to the Colombian national team at such an important moment as an Copa from Mundo.
Perspectivas for the Colombian national team
Being called up for an Copa by Mundo represents the pinnacle of any player’s career. Para Viveros, the possibility highlighted by the newspaper AS means recognition of his work and validation of his offensive potential. The Colombian team is entering a period of definition regarding the squad that will compete in the tournament, and each decision regarding the players called up reflects Néstor Lorenzo’s technical strategy.
The Colombian coach has tactical preferences and a specific playing style that influences his squad choices. The presence of Viveros among the options analyzed for the third center forward position indicates that the player meets the criteria of speed, mobility and ability to adapt to the team’s offensive system. The fierce competition for the position leaves the final decision open until the official announcement of the list of 26 players called up.
Impacto to Athletico
The possibility of Viveros being targeted by Mundo’s Copa further elevates the player’s relevance to Athletico. Clubes that manage to maintain high performance attackers who compete against Mundiais usually gain notoriety in the international market and attract new investments. Para or Furacão, having Viveros shining in Série A and potentially in the Colombian national team represents a valuable showcase for the club from Paraná.
International notoriety also protects the club from premature losses of its best players. Quando a prominent striker receives attention from foreign press and national teams, it becomes more expensive for bigger clubs to trade him without significant outlays. Athletico’s refusal to the 18 million dollar proposal, therefore, aligns with this strategy of maintaining its quality squad during the season.