Erick Belé marks his first time as a professional and praises the support of Palmeiras’ base

Aos 19 years old, Erick Belé had a memorable night on Wednesday. The striker scored his first professional goal for Palmeiras in the 4-1 victory over Jacuipense, in the fifth phase of Copa of Brasil, in Estádio of Café, in Londrina. At the end of the match, he took advantage of the moment to pay tribute to João Paulo Sampaio, coordinator of the club’s youth categories.

The player expressed gratitude to the manager who has followed his career since he was a child. “Very happy to have scored my first professional goal. It’s a unique feeling for us who came from the base. Obrigado, João Paulo, from the base is supporting us, helping us”, he declared in an interview with Amazon Prime Video shortly after the match.

Trajetória from the base

Belé has been part of the Palmeiras development project for seven years. Chegou joined the club in 2018, aged just 11, and since then has evolved in the lower categories with consistent prominence. Aos 16 years old, in 2023, signed his first professional contract with the club.

Seu’s performance in the youth categories drew attention from an early age. In 2022, he was top scorer for Paulista under-15s with 19 goals scored. Pela under-17 category, maintained high performance and received calls for Seleção Brasileira. Atualmente has also been called up for the under-20 national team.

In this season’s under-20s, he played nine games, eight as a starter, wearing the number 10 shirt. Seu’s last commitment to the Allan Barcellos team took place on April 22, in a 2-2 draw with Vasco, when he received a red card.

Professional Estreia and growing presence

The striker made his debut for the main team in October 2025, in a 4-1 victory over Juventude, for Campeonato Brasileiro. Desde then expanded its participation in the cast. In total, he played six games for the team under the command of Abel Ferreira. Neste year, he played in four of these commitments, two as a starter.

Apesar frequently trains with the professional and is present on the bench during commitments, Belé still divides his attention between the under-20s and the Palmeiras main team. Essa dynamics reflects the development model adopted by the club for young players with potential.

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Respaldo from the coaching staff

Abel Ferreira recognized the work done by both the base and the main team. The technician highlighted that Belé had already been part of the project since the previous year and now finds greater opportunities. “Belé is a player who trained with us last year and this year he is more present in the main team. Faz is part of our squad and when we understand that there is space, he can play”, explained the coach.

The commander also mentioned the importance of synergy between the club’s departments for developing talent. “When we look at this type of player, we have to look at the president’s vision, the main team’s training methodology and all the base work done by João Paulo and all the coaches.”

Renovação contractual and next steps

Confidence in Belé’s potential is also reflected in the contract numbers. Last year, the striker renewed his contract with Palmeiras until the end of 2028, consolidating his future at the club.

Palmeiras returns to the field next weekend. The team will face Cruzeiro on Saturday, May 16, at 9pm (Brasília time), at Arena Crefisa Barueri, in a match valid for the 16th round of Campeonato Brasileiro.

The following highlights mark the player’s trajectory:

• Chegada to Palmeiras in 2018 aged 11
• Artilheiro of Paulista under-15 in 2022 with 19 goals
• Convocado for Seleção Brasileira under-17 and under-20
• Primeiro professional contract signed in 2023
• Estreia by professional in October 2025
• Primeiro professional goal on May 16, 2026, at Copa of Brasil