Barcelona Signs Young Brazilian Talent Joao Vitor Roraima for Training

Barcelona, Spain — FC Barcelona has made an unexpected move in the Brazilian market by inviting 17-year-old offensive midfielder Joao Vitor Roraima for a training period at La Masia. This initiative took place last weekend as Roraima arrived in the Catalonian capital to showcase his skills, under the supervision of the team’s coaches.

The commitment to Roraima, a promising player from Ibrachina FC, has the support of his current club since he is a minor and an extra-community player. The initiative stems from the interest shown by Barcelona’s football director, Deco, who is well-acquainted with the South American talent pool.

Described as a ‘number 10’, Roraima competes at the under-17 level and has not yet represented Brazil internationally. Details about him remain scarce, as he generally remains under the radar of larger clubs in both Brazil and Europe. Earlier this year, he participated in the prestigious Copa São Paulo de Juniores, colloquially known as the Copinha. His training stint in Barcelona is viewed as a forward-looking investment.

His club, Ibrachina, announced his arrival in a statement on social media, expressing pride that one of their players is being evaluated by what they consider the world’s best youth academy. The club emphasized that this opportunity is a clear indicator of Ibrachina’s growing reputation in the Brazilian football landscape.

Additionally, Ibrachina’s sources disclosed to SPORT that Roraima is a personal project of Deco. The club, founded in 2020 by Henrique and Thomas Law, has rapidly become a breeding ground for young talents in São Paulo’s Mooca neighborhood, contending with dynamic giants such as Corinthians, São Paulo, and Palmeiras.

While no finalized deal is in place yet, the situation around Roraima suggests a cautious optimism. Barca officials are following protocol as he is a minor, which may limit any immediate contractual agreements. Nonetheless, if he proves his worth during training, there is potential for him to remain under Barcelona’s tutelage.