Felipe dos Reis Pereira Vizeu do Carmo is the center forward for Flamengo's under-20 team, which has been excelling in the São Paulo Junior Cup. A native of Três Rios, in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, the 18-year-old athlete joined Flamengo in 2013 and has since won a State Championship, a Guanabara Cup, a Rio Cup, and an Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG).

The number 9 recounted his early career. "When I was still four years old, I ended up living in a very small town called Chiador, in Minas Gerais. That's where I started training on the field and playing futsal at the same time. After a while, I ended up moving to Cabo Frio, in the Lakes Region, and there I continued playing futsal. As time went on, I decided to leave the salon to dedicate myself to the field," he recalled.

Vizeu also revealed how he ended up in the youth ranks of Mais Querido at the age of just 16 at the time. 

"I went to participate in a friendly in Búzios, Rio, when I was 15, and there was Luiz Carlos Marins, a former América-MG player, who was a scout that day. I stood out in the match and was called in for an evaluation. I passed, stayed at América-MG for a while, and played in a championship for the under-15s – that's when I ended up attracting interest from other clubs. And one of them was Flamengo. It wasn't easy at all, because I had a youth contract, and what helped me was the waiving of all the clauses. I had to wait for my release, and only after six months was I able to look for a club. I contacted Flamengo, who were still interested in me, and without thinking twice: I signed," he said.

The athlete, who lived at the George Helal Training Center until October 2014, does not hide his happiness at having signed with Rubro-Negro and having his family close by.

"I arrived at Flamengo and the contract was already ready. By signing it, I began a great stage in my life. It was the day I was happiest. I hope to continue my work. I want to bring a lot of joy to the Flamengo fans. I lived at the training center until October 2014, and in December of the same year, my family came to live with me to complete my happiness," he concluded.

Felipe Vizeu is the top scorer for Mais Querido in the São Paulo Junior Cup with five goals. Flamengo advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copinha and will face São Paulo, at Arena Barueri next Wednesday (20.01). Help Mengão develop more stars. Become a fan club member.

Meet another standout for Flamengo in the São Paulo Junior Cup, midfielder Ronaldo.