Palmeiras appear to have produced another prodigiously talented teenager. In the past three years alone, the Brazilians have sold four gifted academy graduates to European sides: Endrick, Luis Guilherme, Vitor Reis and Willian Estevao. Luiz Benedetti is almost certain to become the fifth.
The Brazil Under-20 international may have only made nine appearances at senior level but Barcelona, Arsenal and Napoli are all said to be interested in signing Benedetti during the 2026 winter transfer window.
So, who is the latest potential star to roll off the Palmeiras production line? And is he really ready to make the move across the Atalantic? GOAL tells you everything you need to know about the 19-year-old below…
Where it all began
Benedetti was born in Bauru, a large municipality located in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo – but more than 300km away from the world-renowned capital city.
He took his first steps towards becoming a professional footballer when he enrolled in a football academy at the age of five.
It was while playing for Ferroviaria in nearby Araraquara that caught the attention of Palmeiras, who signed Benedetti in 2022 when he was still only 15.
However, Benedetti was unusually tall and technically accomplished for his age, so he immediately stood out at one of the best academies in world football.
Even more importantly, he was left-footed, which is what made Abel Ferreira sit up and took notice.
The senior team coach had been searching for a left-footed centre-back for some time, so he decided to have a closer look at Benedetti after finding himself short on options in July of last year, with Luan having been sold, Murilo ruled out through injury, and Gustavo Gomez away on international duty with Paraguay.
Ferreira liked what he saw from Benedetti in training and even included him in his matchday squad for Brasileiro Serie A clashes with Gremio and Bahia.
Benedetti promptly returned to representing the Under-20s, whom he helped win the national title last September, but it was clear that it would only be a matter of time before Benedetti made his professional debut for Palmeiras.
AdvertisementThe big break
Just five days before Reis completed his move to Manchester City, Benedetti emulated his former central defensive partner at under-age level by making his first appearance for Palmeiras at just 18 years old.
"It's a feeling of gratitude, a moment that rewards many of the things we went through in childhood, leaving family behind and everything else," Benedetti explained.
"It's an inexplicable feeling. I've played for the youth team at Allianz Parque, but the feeling of being there as a professional, with guys we've looked up to since childhood, is sensational.
"I thank God, the entire staff, and all my teammates who have helped me get here.
"Since I've been in the youth academy, I've had role models, like my friend and brother Vitor Reis. Doors open and you just try to follow the same path.
"Of course, it's different for everyone, but I believe that by working hard and following the example of these guys who came up through the youth academy before, I can earn many opportunities here in the professional ranks."
How it's going
A week after making his debut, Benedetti made his first start for Palmeiras in an away game against Bauru-based Noroeste, meaning he got to play in front of many of his family and friends.
"It will be such an honour," he admitted beforehand. "God willing, everything will work out." And it did, with Benedetti showing no signs of nerves while playing all 90 minutes of a 1-1 draw in his hometown.
He's since played a further four full games at senior level for Palmeiras, as well as helping the Under-20s retain their Brazilian title.
"It was a very special season," he told Nosso Palestra. "This championship with the U-20s is the result of a lot of hard work and down to the strength of the group. We dedicated ourselves immensely, and I'm very happy to be a part of it.
"I'm also very focused on my professional development. Every opportunity I receive from Abel is a chance to show that I can contribute more."
Biggest strengths
The first thing one notices about Benedetti is obviously his height (1.97m/6ft 6ins). He usually towers over everyone else on the field. Indeed, when he first broke into the Palmeiras team, he immediately became the tallest outfield player in the squad. It, thus, won't come as much of a surprise to learn that he's strong in the air and a major threat at set-pieces.
However, while watching Benedetti in action, it quickly becomes clear why he's attracting so much interest, as he's incredibly comfortable on the ball for such a big guy.
He's got a terrific left foot and is never afraid to play the ball out from the back, either with short, precise passes into midfielders or measured long balls into the channels and open spaces for wingers and forwards to chase.
