Lenon's rise at Flamengo has been remarkable. Two years ago, he was being promoted to the youth team after winning the Campeonato Carioca Juvenil, and now he's registered for the Copa Libertadores da América. Pushed to the professional team in early 2009, still under Cuca's management, the player has already played 15 matches for Flamengo and was part of last year's Brazilian championship-winning squad. Now part of the squad that will compete in the international competition, Lenon sees himself as an increasingly important member of the Flamengo squad.

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Midfielder Lenon began his career at Madureira, still playing in the youth futsal squad, until reaching the youth level, when he moved to field soccer. On the field, he only stayed for two more years with the suburban team. There, he caught the attention of Flamengo scouts, who took him to Gávea. A Flamengo fan since childhood, the player claims he always dreamed of this moment: establishing himself in Flamengo's professional squad.

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"Anyone who grew up at Flamengo, like me, knows exactly what the Copa Libertadores means to the club. Therefore, competing in this competition is a dream come true for me. Until recently, I was playing for the youth team," he said.

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The competition for a spot on the Flamengo team is fierce, especially in midfield, where Andrade has several options. Even so, the young defensive midfielder is part of the squad that will compete in the Libertadores, and he believes this is a reflection of his excellent work with Flamengo.

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"I've been looking for a spot, training with dedication, and having the chance to be part of the group that will play in the Libertadores is a sign that I've been doing a good job. I appreciate the confidence of Andrade and the coaching staff. I'll try to give my best when I'm on the field," said Lenon.