Palmeiras Youth Categories Train On A Dirt Field To Recover Brazil's Jogo Bonito

Once a week, Palmeiras take its academy players under 13 years old to play on a dirt field, without tactics, coaches, or any instructions. For some time now, its brightest prospects have also been playing informal games against teams from favelas or disadvantaged areas of Sao Paulo to preserve the amateur spirit and encourage improvisation. While the football market demands talents that can adapt the European tactics, Palmeiras works to recover the essence of the Brazilian distinctive 'Jogo bonito' (the beautiful game). Brazil, the most successful team in the FIFA World Cup, has not lifted the trophy since 2002 and it has been 17 years since the last Brazilian player received the Ballon d'Or Award.
Photos and footage by Alexandre Schneider and Fernando Salgado
Music from Epidemic Sound - Samba No Pé by Rubén Cortés
Video produced by Jorge Valero