New Delhi: Palmeiras’ youth academy has gained significant recognition in recent years for producing top-tier football talents with several young stars already making their way to Europe. One of the latest jewels from their production line is Vitor Reis, an 18-year-old central defender who has garnered attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid and Arsenal. Dubbed “the new Marquinhos,” Reis has already started making waves in Brazil and his rapid rise has many tipping him to become a future captain of the Selecao.
The Palmeiras youth machine
Palmeiras is quickly establishing itself as one of the top youth academies in the world. The club’s ability to develop elite talent is evident from the recent high-profile sales of players like Endrick, who at just 16 was snapped up by Real Madrid for a staggering €47.5 million. The Brazilian club has also seen the likes of Luis Guilherme (sold to West Ham) and Estevao Willian (set to join Chelsea in 2025) move to European clubs for large fees.
In this ever-growing list of promising youngsters, Vitor Reis is the latest talent that has European clubs lining up to secure his services. Real Madrid, the club known for targeting emerging Brazilian stars, is already monitoring Reis closely but they face stiff competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona, all of whom are also interested in the young defender.
Real Madrid have 18-year-old Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis on their radar. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona are also interested. He has a contract until 2028 with a €100m release clause.
— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/NQewIS36aw
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) October 11, 2024
Early Beginning…
The 18-year-old centre-back’s footballing journey started in the R10 Academy which former Brazilian international Robinho founded. Palmeiras spotted his potential early on and brought him into their youth setup in 2016 when he was just 10. Since then, Reis has made steady progress through the club’s ranks and earned a reputation for his defensive solidity and impressive leadership abilities.
By the time Reis reached the club’s Under-17 side, he had already established himself as one of their key players. His standout performances helped Palmeiras’ youth team secure the coveted ‘triple crown’, winning the Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Paulista, and Campeonato Brasileiro at the youth level. In recognition of his development, Reis signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras in November 2022.
In an Instagram post, he expressed his love for the club saying, “I have been at this club since 2016 and it has become my home. I have experienced incredible moments and will remain focused on bringing more joy to the Palmeiras family.”
Big Breakthrough
Having captained both Palmeiras and Brazil at the Under-17 level, it was only a matter of time before Reis made his debut for the senior team. His big break came in June 2024 when he made his first appearance in a Brasileiro Serie A game against Fortaleza. Although Palmeiras lost 3-0 Reis’ performance in the final 15 minutes impressed coach Abel Ferreira, who saw immense potential in the young defender.
The following week, Palmeiras still shorn of a number of first-team regulars coach Abel Ferreira named the teenager in his starting lineup for a home game against Corinthians. He delivered a stellar defensive performance and even scored a header from a corner helping his team secure a 2-0 victory. His composure and maturity on the field drew praise from teammates and coaches alike and he was named Man of the Match.
Despite suffering a minor muscular injury shortly afterward, which limited his game time Reis has made 15 appearances in his debut season and showcased enough promise to be considered a future pillar of the Palmeiras defense.
Strengths and playing style
Reis’ natural defensive instincts and ability to read the game are qualities that set him apart from many of his peers. He is a composed defender who rarely finds himself out of position, making crucial interceptions and tackles when necessary. Despite being young he is known for his vocal presence on the field. He is often seen organizing and guiding his teammates, a trait that has led many to predict that he will one day captain both club and country.
🇧🇷 | 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐬 (𝟏𝟖𝐲, 𝐂𝐁) – 2024 @Brasileirao
– 10 Games
– 1 Goal
– 92% Pass Accuracy (43.3 per game)
– 69% Aerial Duels Won (2.9 per game)
– 3.7 Balls Recovered per game
– 51% Ground Duels Won (2.3 per game)
– 58% Successful Long Balls (1.8 per game)
Aerial… pic.twitter.com/mnkanjT1Gg
— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) September 10, 2024
His ball-playing ability is another standout feature. Reis is comfortable in possession and capable of starting attacks from deep positions with accurate passes. This versatility has also drawn comparisons to the current Brazilian captain Marquinhos, who also excels at combining defensive duties with offensive playmaking.
Although not the tallest centre-back at 6’1″, Reis has a good leap and is effective in aerial duels. His slender frame, however, suggests that he may need to bulk up before he can fully adapt to the physical demands of European football, particularly in leagues like the Premier League.
Reis is still 18 and has plenty of time to develop, both mentally and physically. He even said, “I listen a lot to what the senior players say,” he revealed. “And my family are always giving me loads of advice.” He is also aware that he is far from the finishing line and needs to work to climb high.
Learning from the best
Reis has cited Marquinhos as one of his biggest inspirations, noting how he has modeled his game on the Paris Saint-Germain defender. “I’ve always looked up to Marquinhos. I’m inspired by his attitude on and off the pitch,” he said. Reis is also learning from experienced defenders at Palmeiras such as Murilo Cerqueiro and Gustavo Gomez whom he credits for helping him grow as a player.
“When I was younger, I watched a lot of Marquinhos and Thiago Silva. But now, I’ve realized that I have great role models right here at Palmeiras, and they’ve been helping me improve every day,” he shared in an interview.
What’s next for Vitor Reis?
Although European clubs are circling Reis remains focused on establishing himself in the Palmeiras first team. “Everybody wants to play in Europe, but my mind is 100 percent with Palmeiras,” he has stated. His immediate goals are to help Palmeiras win the Brasileirao and lift more trophies with the club that has nurtured him since childhood.
Palmeiras are fully aware of Reis’ immense talent and potential, extending his contract until December 2028, setting his buyout clause at €100 million. While the club has a history of selling top young talents like Endrick, Guilherme, and Estevao for the right price, they are reportedly eager to retain Reis until at least the 2025 Club World Cup, allowing him ample time to mature before making the move to Europe.
Reis has all the attributes to become the next great Brazilian defender and possesses the ability to lead the side in the future. Whether he follows in the footsteps of Endrick and joins Real Madrid or chooses a different European powerhouse, it is clear that his future in football is incredibly bright. For now, though, Palmeiras fans will continue to enjoy watching one of their academy’s finest prospects develop into a key player for both club and country.
Palmeiras’ 18-year-old defensive prodigy, Vitor Reis is catching the eye of top European clubs like Real Madrid and Arsenal. Can he follow in the footsteps of Brazil’s finest? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
