“Vitões” side by side: unlikely duo click in the under-20s
“Vitões” side by side: unlikely duo click in the under-20s Because it brings together talent from the Brazilian football youth ranks, the Under-20 National Team often creates unusual friendships in everyday life. In training this Wednesday (25), one of the defensive lineups paired center backs Vítor Fernandes, from Atlético-MG, and Vítor Hugo, from Cruzeiro, both called by teammates by the same nickname: Vitão. Vítor Fernandes plays on the right, Vítor Hugo on the left.
While serving the National Team, they can form a duo—something that would be unthinkable in the competitions they normally play for their clubs. In fact, there have been plenty of clashes throughout their careers. “We were Under-15 champions over them,” recalls Vitão from Galo.
“There was a derby that we beat them in at our place,” replies the one from Raposa. Vitor Hugo, Cruzeiro’s Vitão Credits: Staff Images / CBF But Cruzeiro’s Vitão (also called Militão, because he is a cousin of the Real Madrid center back—and the one who has accumulated call-ups to the senior national team) says the best lineup is when they play together. In 2025, they won the South American title with the Under-17 National Team, and now they are on the first Under-20 squad list under Paulo Victor.
Vitor Fernandes, Atlético-MG center back Credits: Staff Images / CBF And the chemistry in the Seleção is looking good: both agree they will have a tough opponent ahead, recalling previous matches against Paraguay. “They’re always a tough opponent, but I believe we’ll come away victorious from both matches,” says Vítor Hugo. The reason?
“This is a group that brings together players born in 2008 and 2007, and there’s a lot of talent,” answers his namesake Fernandes. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.