From tending to cows to playing for Man City – Savinho’s journey
However, he couldn’t resist after watching Savinho train for the first time during pre-season last year. He immediately called sporting director Quique Carcel aside.
“We’re going to finish in the top eight,” he predicted to Carcel, who tried, unsuccessfully, to ground his enthusiasm. “Are you crazy or what?” As it turned out, Michel’s prediction was spot on.
Savinho’s impact at the Montilivi stadium was so profound that Michel’s prediction seemed conservative – Girona contended for the La Liga title until the final stretch. They ended up in third place, trailing only Real Madrid and Barcelona, securing a Champions League spot. It was the best season in the club’s 93-year history.
A significant portion of the credit went to their electrifying winger.
In just one year, Savinho transitioned from struggling in PSV Eindhoven’s reserves to becoming a breakout star in Spain, debuting for Brazil against England at Wembley.
“I know this is a big statement, but I hadn’t seen anyone so effective in one-on-one situations since Vinicius Jr emerged,” Michel remarked.
“He was perhaps the most surprising talent in La Liga if you consider that [Jude] Bellingham was already known by everybody.”
It’s no wonder Manchester City made Savinho their first signing of the summer, acquiring him from sister team Troyes, who had loaned him to Girona.
The 20-year-old has become the first player to rise to the top of the City Football Group pyramid.
Ending last season with 11 goals and 10 assists for Girona, he’s determined to prove his staying power. This should be no problem for someone who, despite his young age, has always stood out for his strong character and self-confidence.
“I was born with the gift of playing football,” he has often said.
City manager Pep Guardiola will now aim to maximize this talent.
This kid will be a footballer
Savinho is far from your typical footballer.
Growing up at his grandparents’ home in the rural area of Sao Mateus in southeast Brazil, he learned early on how to ride horses, milk cows, and plant vegetables like lettuce, okra, and tomatoes. To this day, it’s his favorite holiday destination.
“If you ask him whether he wants to spend it in Cancun, Mexico, or with his grandparents, he will definitely choose the latter. That’s his passion,” his mother Dona Nilma shared.
Despite his love for the daily farm routine, Savinho was destined for football.
Nilma discovered this early on—he was only five when one of his first coaches made a prophecy: “This kid will be a footballer.”
Savinho started playing on the beach, and after moving to the pitch, he quickly caught the attention of major teams.
Eventually, the left-footer signed with Atletico Mineiro after impressing in a match against their under-17 side at age 11.
Precociously talented, he became the youngest player to appear for Atletico in the Brazilian league at 16 and the youngest to score for them in a Libertadores Cup game at 18.
His rapid rise persuaded City Football Group to act quickly, beating out competition from Arsenal to secure his services in 2022.
A 10-goal and 20-assist player
Strong on the ball and able to change direction in an instant, Savinho was initially registered with third-division club Troyes but never played for the French side. Instead, he was loaned to PSV.
An early injury hindered his progress, and limited playing time afterward made it difficult for him to stand out in the Eredivisie.
Girona noticed him during the 2023 Under-20 World Cup and decided to take a chance on him, though convincing Michel was challenging at first since he wanted an experienced winger.
“Savinho hadn’t played much senior football; he was sidelined at PSV and mainly played for the reserves, so it was a tough sell,” said Carcel.
Savinho had to make an immediate impact, and he did just that, making his presence felt from the moment he arrived in Catalonia. He couldn’t afford to switch off for a second.
“You have the potential to finish this season with 10 goals and 20 assists, so do it,” Michel told him during halftime of a match in which he had already scored and assisted.
Things certainly won’t get any easier for Savinho under Guardiola, but he doesn’t mind. He’s living his dream.