Mohawk, low-cut shorts, and knee-high socks. Short stature, two-legged ability, and personality on the field. This is Rafinha, the "Neymar of Gávea," one of Flamengo's biggest revelations from the youth ranks this season, who caught the eye during the first team's training session this Friday (October 15.10) at Ninho do Urubu. A product of CFZ, he joined the Flamengo youth team and has been excelling.

Welcomed by his older teammates and soon nicknamed after his physical resemblance to the Santos player, Rafinha wasn't intimidated. He participated normally in the finishing activities, crossing balls for the attackers, and even scored a beautiful goal in the recreation area. A positive result for this first opportunity with the senior team.

"It was really cool. I was happy with the way I was welcomed. For a first day, it was great. Now it's time to continue working hard, keep training hard, so that, who knows, I can stay here permanently in the future," said the player, who commented that any similarity with Neymar is no mere coincidence.

"People joke, don't they? He's a guy who, on the field, is different. You can't help but look up to him. He's a skillful, decisive player, and I definitely try to observe what he does and repeat it when I'm on the field," he explained.

At 17, the attacking midfielder is one of the standout players on Flamengo's under-17 team, which will play the state title this Saturday against Botafogo at 11 a.m. in Gávea. He won't play, however, as he's suspended, but he'll be cheering on his teammates.

"Unfortunately, I'm suspended and I'll be out of this decision, but I'll be there watching the game and cheering for my teammates, because this title will be very important for us," he concluded.

\

Follow Flamengo's official Twitter profile

Check out the video gallery on Flamengo's Official Website

\

Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website

\

Check out the audio gallery on Flamengo's Official Website