Andrey Santos, from the Vila Aliança favela in Bangu, Rio de Janeiro, is a key player Brazil are counting on to win the U20 World Cup in Argentina. Despite the financial difficulties of his childhood, Andrey has always benefited from the support of his family and he shines today within Vasco and the Brazilian National Team.
Aged only 19, Andrey will begin his international career after the U20 World Cup. He was sold to Chelsea but will remain on loan at Vasco until June 30 before moving to England permanently for the next season. His desire for excellence is also manifested by his desire to learn English since the age of 17, thus preparing his future both sportingly and personally.
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Andrey’s career is marked by many successes. He started playing football at the age of four, enrolled by his grandmother in a futsal school in Bangu. Quickly noticed by Vasco, he remained there for more than ten years, signing his first professional contract at the age of 16. In the national team, he was called up for the first time at the age of 14 in the U15 category.
Andrey played a key role in winning the South American U-20 Championship earlier this year, finishing as Brazil’s top scorer in the competition.
The preparation of the Brazilian team for the U20 World Cup
The Brazilian squad’s preparation for the U20 World Cup began at the Granja Comary in Teresópolis before heading to host country Argentina. Brazil will play in Group D, along with Italy, Nigeria and the Dominican Republic. Their first match against Italy is scheduled for today.
Andrey Santos embodies Brazilian hope in this competition. His undeniable talent and determination make him a valuable asset in leading the team to victory. The Brazilian fans have high hopes for him and hope that he will be able to surpass himself and contribute to the conquest of the coveted title at this U20 World Cup in Argentina.
