Wearing Flamengo's number 10 jersey is a huge responsibility. And from the youth ranks, the young Flamengo fans have learned this. To honor the jersey that once belonged to Zico, it takes not only talent but also identification with the club. And young Eliabe has no shortage of this. At 18, he's been at Gávea since he was a child, and he's doing everything he can on the field to realize his childhood dream: becoming a professional with Flamengo.

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The player has been the target of constant praise for his performances in the club's first two matches in the 41st edition of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. With the number 10 emblazoned on his back, and playing a fast and skillful game, characteristic of many of the club's youth players, Eliabe is drawing applause from those watching the Copinha matches. And all this without being 100% fit, as he has been recovering from a calf injury.

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"I'm very happy with this praise. I work hard and will continue working to improve even more. I'm feeling good, recovering well, and I hope to help Flamengo have a very good campaign in this São Paulo Cup. We want this title and we have the ability to win it," he said.

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The pressure of playing in the most representative jersey in Clube de Regatas do Flamengo's 114-year history doesn't faze the attacking midfielder. Ninho do Urubu's number 10 knows he has to work hard and live up to expectations to achieve his ultimate goal: promotion to the top team.

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"It's a great honor for me to be Flamengo's number 10. It's a very special thing, in any category. Being a professional is what I've always dreamed of, since I was little, and for me it would be a great victory. But everything has its time, and I know that if I work hard, my opportunity will come," he concluded.

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Eliabe is one of coach Armênio Moura's assets as Flamengo overturns its five-goal deficit against Paulista de Jundiaí. In the final round of the Copinha qualifying round, this Saturday, Flamengo faces Taubaté, needing a rout to qualify in first place in Group S. A simple victory, however, could secure Flamengo a spot in the next round as one of the competition's best second-place teams.