A special day that will be remembered by 26 athletes from Flamengo's youth teams. And the club didn't win any titles on this date. Dressed in graduation gowns, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Flamengo's youth academy players) completed a very important stage in their lives: their school graduation. The students completed their studies at Recreio Christian School, with 15 graduating from high school, nine from middle school, and two from elementary school. The ceremony was held at the Barra do Ibemec campus.

The partnership between Flamengo and Recreio Christian School (RCS) provides access to quality education for athletes, who lead a different life from childhood. Balancing studies and having the same routine as ordinary young people is not easy for those who also have games, training and, often, travel in their daily lives.

The ceremony's head table was composed of Alfredo Almeida, director of youth football at Flamengo; Patricia Negreiros and Beatriz Silva, coordinator and pedagogue, respectively, of the club's human development department; and Gabriel Frozi and Ester Frozi, directors of Recreio Christian School. Family members of the athletes were also present, as well as many Flamengo employees and members of the RCS faculty.

Born in Portugal, Alfredo Almeida has been in Brazil for three years and closely follows the differences in football between the two countries, both at the professional and youth levels. After thanking the athletes, directors, and teachers of RCS, he emphasized that studies are essential in the lives of boys who aspire to professional football.

"First, we will create citizens, and then football players. As long as I am in this position, training is non-negotiable. It's a commitment to the families of our athletes. I don't want to be remembered for titles. Parents have entrusted their most valuable possession to us. We are responsible for making them better than when they arrived. My focus is not 'will be a player' but rather, 'also a player'. I will not give that up," Alfredo assured.

Happiness and fulfillment. These were the feelings of Patricia Negreiros. The human development coordinator at Flamengo made it clear that education, school, and studies go hand in hand for the complete development of a professional athlete.

"Studying isn't about just in case you don't become a football player. Studying isn't a plan B. To be a football player, it's important to know how to speak, write, and understand the culture of the game," assures Patricia, who spoke a little about the school year for the young players in Flamengo's youth academy.

"The parents can't believe it. An athlete's life isn't easy. There are many obstacles: those who don't want to go to class, those who forget their uniforms, not to mention the challenges, the absences, many justified because of games and trips. This is my team, made up of dreams, a sparkle in their eyes, and a desire to learn. Opportunities are always there. He who knows more about football knows more than just football," he concluded.

The graduation gown didn't resemble the Flamengo uniform at all. Even so, the Flamengo youth team players seemed quite comfortable in their traditional attire. Goalkeeper Leo Nannetti was chosen to recite the traditional high school graduation oath. Goalkeeper Eduardo Clasen, also from the same position, acted as valedictorian, alongside right-back Heitor Guerra. Lucas Falcone was named the best student. Meanwhile, the elementary school boys, around 14 years old, charmed everyone present with their poise and naturalness, especially the valedictorian Davi Rodrigues and Arthur Menghini.

While it was unique in that the graduating class was composed solely of youth football players, at times it felt like any other graduation ceremony. An important chapter in their lives was completed with the final formalities. Director Gabriel Frozi, who revealed he was once a youth player himself, couldn't hide his emotion as he presented the diplomas, and finally, the long-awaited moment arrived to throw the caps into the air. And one thing is certain: Flamengo produces stars at home.