With its finances strained and a FIFA transfer ban in effect, Santos is increasingly turning to its youth academy for talent. The latest player attracting attention is 17-year-old forward Nadson, who made his first-team debut earlier this year under coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and is now making strides under coach Cuca.

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The Rise of a Gem

Under the supervision of Coach Cuca, Nadson caught the eye during a Brazilian U-20 Championship match against Botafogo at CT Rei Pelé, where he played on the left wing, providing two assists and spearheading Santos’s comeback.

Golden Opportunity: His impressive performance led to a quick promotion. Nadson participated in a training match with the first team and, during a recent loss to Botafogo in the Brazilian top flight, he came on in the second half for Miguelito, surpassing other young players who had been with the club longer, including Robinho Jr.

Desired Profile: Nadson is known for his speed and strong one-on-one dribbling skills, which Cuca identified as a missing asset in the squad, previously only seen in forward Moisés.

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Hungry to Play: Following an ankle strain in April, Nadson requested permission from the club’s board to play for the U-17s to regain match fitness quickly. His eagerness impressed the directors, and he scored the winning goal against Atlético-GO in that appearance. The promising forward is signed with Peixe until January 2028.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.