Daniel Cabral signs first professional contract with Flamengo
16-year-old midfielder, voted the best player in the Dubai Tournament, signs contract with Rubro-Negro until 2021
By Ian Sena - inThe week began with great news for those who follow Flamengo's youth football. 16-year-old defensive midfielder Daniel Cabral signed his first professional contract with the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved). Recently named best player at the Dubai International Tournament, a high-level competition won in April by the "Garotos do Ninho" (Ninho Boys) after a victory over Real Madrid in the grand final, Daniel has been regularly called up to the Brazilian national team since the U-15 age group. Boasting refined technique, excellent vision, and a superb finish, the defensive midfielder, who joined the Flamengo team as a futsal player at just 7 years old, said he had fulfilled a dream.
"I'm very happy to sign this new contract with Flamengo. It's undoubtedly a special moment in my career. I've always dreamed of wearing the red-and-black Sacred Mantle, and signing this professional contract with my favorite team shows that my work has been recognized and well-executed at the youth level. I know this is the beginning of a new challenge, and I hope to continue demonstrating every day that I can bring much joy to the Flamengo fans. I'd like to thank my family, who are the foundation of everything in my life, and the entire Flamengo board, who have always welcomed me with great affection and guide me every day so that I can continue to evolve, both on and off the field," said Daniel Cabral.
Trajectory
Born in Mesquita, Baixada Fluminense, Daniel Cabral joined Flamengo at the age of 7, while still playing futsal. His first achievement with the club was the Carioca Championship. He always stood out on the field, collecting titles. His most important, according to him, were the U-15 and U-17 State Championships, the BH Cup, the 2 de Julho Cup, and the Dubai International Tournament, in the latter two of which he was named the competition's best player.
Daniel has been called up to the Brazilian national team regularly since the U-15 age group, and since his first call-up, he has only been named once. Wearing the yellow jersey, he was runner-up in the U-15 South American Championship last year in Argentina and runner-up in the U-16 World Cup in Montaigu, France.