Colombian striker Palacios, 19, will be the first foreigner to defend Fluminense in the Copinha. He could debut in the most famous grassroots tournament in the country this Monday (05/01), when Tricolor faces Água Santa-SP, at 9:30 pm, at the Estádio Municipal Prefeito Gabriel Marques da Silva, in Santana de Parnaíba (SP), for Group 25. The broadcast is from CazéTV.
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“I didn’t know (that I would be the first foreigner to defend Fluminense in the Copinha), but when I received the news, I felt proud of the work I did and grateful for the opportunity the club gave me. It’s very important for me, my family and all the people who support me in this process”, celebrated Moleque de Xerém, who hopes to be assisted by his home country, where the competition is a sensation.
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Observed by the club’s recruitment department in the 2023 South American Under-17 competition, the year in which he underwent tests at the Vale das Laranjeiras Training Center, in Xerém, the former Rojo (COL) player signed a contract with Flu, in July 2024, until the end of 2026, his last season among the juniors.
“I’ve been happy since the beginning. In the beginning, it was difficult to understand my teammates and teachers, but, little by little, I began to understand the language and adapt to what they wanted. Some time ago, I didn’t have many opportunities, but, thanks to God and the coaching staff, I’m still here, looking for space with even more confidence to play. Starting player or not, the important thing is to help,” he said.
After participating in the professional football pre-season, Moleque de Xerém, who scored two goals in 2025, won the FIFA Referee Cup and OPG U20 Tournament titles. He finished the Copa Xerém as a starter and now dreams of a sixth title in the Copa São Paulo alongside the second biggest champion.
“The games are always very difficult, but my main objective is to show my talent, have an excellent competition and be champion with Fluminense. We have a very beautiful relationship and I will do my best for the club”, he concluded.
Known for his speed, agility and strength in individual duels, Palacios secured a 1-0 victory over the Chilean team in the second championship of the Leonel Sánchez Lineros-CHI Under-18 Tournament, in 2024, with a 100% success rate. In another of the competitions he played at the beginning of his time in Xerém, he found the net in a 4-1 victory over Monaco (FRA), in the Netherlands.
Text: Communication/FFC
Photos: Leonardo Brasil/FFC
