# Cuiabá Leads Brazilian Clubs in Youth Academy Player Utilization The club tops the ranking of 40 teams by integrating homegrown talent into professional squads. - **Source:** [GE Globo – Futebol](https://ge.globo.com/futebol) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6f71beb2-dd8d-4622-8247-4bb6390fbc45 ## Top Performance in Integration Cuiabá leads the ranking of 40 clubs across Brazil's Série A and B for utilizing homegrown players in 2026. Eight academy graduates accumulated 8,497 minutes on the field, representing 24.54% of the team's total playing time. This metric highlights the club's commitment to integrating young talent into the professional squad throughout the season. ## Strategic Financial Commitment President Cristiano Dresch confirmed an annual investment of approximately 9 million BRL in the club's youth categories. This funding level remained consistent even after the team's relegation in 2024. The club maintains a structured pipeline, viewing these expenditures as essential for long-term sporting success and financial stability for the organization's future. ## Operational Scale and Support The academy department currently monitors 182 young athletes with support from 88 specialized professionals. The staff covers diverse areas including health, performance, and technical training. Furthermore, the club promotes holistic development through initiatives like the 'Biblioteca Dourado', which encourages reading habits among the players to foster their personal growth off the pitch. ## National Team Recognition The effectiveness of Cuiabá's development program is reflected in recent national team call-ups. In 2026, Lorenzo was selected for the Brazil U-20 squad, while Aiyran earned a spot in the U-17 team. Cuiabá stands out as the only Série B club to have two players represented in these youth national team categories this year. ## Key Players and Rotation Several academy products became vital components of the professional team under coach Eduardo Barros. Lorenzo, David Miguel, Calebe, and Kauan Cristtyan finished the season as absolute starters. Additionally, players like Luis Soares, Nathan Cruz, Gui Mansano, and Pedro Carminatti received significant opportunities, demonstrating the depth and readiness of the club's internal talent pool. ## Success Beyond League Play Youth integration extended beyond the Série B campaign into the Copa FMF. The club utilized its U-20 squad for the tournament's first phase, maintaining a 100% win rate. For the finals, the main squad took over, securing the title against Chapada with a 2-0 victory, which also guaranteed a spot in the 2027 Copa do Brasil. ## Comparative Performance Analysis The ranking, compiled by Goiás and shared among clubs, places Cuiabá ahead of major national teams. While Ceará follows with 22.61% and Athletico-PR with 22.26%, many top-tier clubs show significantly lower utilization rates. This data underscores the disparity in youth development strategies and the specific focus Cuiabá places on its internal talent pipeline. ## Future Outlook and Sustainability The club's model focuses on creating a self-sustaining machine where departing players are replaced by new academy graduates. By securing long-term contracts for U-20 and U-17 coaches, the leadership ensures continuity in training methodologies. This approach aims to stabilize the club's professional performance while generating long-term value through consistent player development. ## Sources covering this story - https://ge.globo.com/mt/futebol/times/cuiaba/noticia/2026/11/12/cuiaba-lidera-utilizacao-da-base-entre-clubes-das-series-a-e-b-veja-ranking.ghtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._