Corinthians’ promising forward Kayke Ferrari Guimarães was forced off the pitch in tears during the first half of the Copa do Brasil fifth-phase first-leg match against Barra FC at Estádio Aderbal Ramos da Silva (Ressacada) in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The 21-year-old Brazilian attacker suffered what appeared to be a left knee injury even as attempting to make a run down the left flank and cross into the penalty area. According to match reports, Kayke collapsed off the field after feeling discomfort in his joint and required immediate medical attention from Corinthians’ staff.
Teammates rushed to his aid as he lay on the turf, visibly distressed and unable to bear weight on his left leg. After receiving initial treatment on the bench, Kayke was helped by colleagues to a cart and transported to the locker room for further evaluation, still in the opening period of the match.
Corinthians coach Fernando Diniz responded by introducing Vitinho as a replacement for Kayke at the 15-minute mark. The young forward had been a regular starter under Diniz since the coach’s arrival, featuring in all five of the team’s matches under his leadership.
Kayke, who joined Corinthians’ senior squad in January 2024 after progressing through the club’s youth system, has made 22 appearances for the team across all competitions as of April 2026, scoring two goals. His contract with the São Paulo-based club runs through June 2027 following a renewal in June 2025.
The injury occurred during a tightly contested fixture where Corinthians held a 1-0 lead at halftime thanks to a goal from Lingard. Barra FC, representing Santa Catarina state, hosted the match as part of the Copa do Brasil knockout phase.
Medical officials from Corinthians have not yet released an official diagnosis regarding the severity of Kayke’s knee injury. The club stated that further examinations would be conducted to determine the extent of the damage and anticipated recovery timeline.
Kayke’s departure left Corinthians momentarily rattled, though they managed to maintain their advantage through the break. The incident drew concern from both the coaching staff and supporters, given the player’s growing importance to the team’s attacking options this season.
Born in Guarulhos, São Paulo, on April 28, 2004, Kayke previously represented the youth academies of Palmeiras and São Caetano before joining Corinthians in 2021. He gained recognition for scoring the winning goal in Corinthians’ victorious 2024 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior campaign.
As of the latest available data, Kayke has made six appearances in the 2026 Campeonato Paulista, five in the Copa do Brasil, and two in continental competition, contributing one goal in state league play and another in cup matches.
The Corinthians medical department will monitor Kayke’s condition closely in the coming days. His availability for upcoming fixtures, including the second leg against Barra FC and subsequent league matches, remains uncertain pending further evaluation.
Corinthians are scheduled to host Barra FC in the return leg of their Copa do Brasil tie at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo at a date yet to be officially announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Fans wishing to receive updates on Kayke’s recovery and Corinthians’ team news can follow the club’s official channels for verified information as it becomes available.
