Juventude Commences 2026 Pre-Season as Brazil Reflects on Major 2025 Sports Investments
Juventude starts 2026 pre-season with new coach as Brazil highlights extensive government investments in major sports events in 2025, preparing for future competitions.
- • Juventude began 2026 pre-season on December 26 with 27 athletes and new coach Maurício Barbieri.
- • Barbieri is optimistic about team potential for multiple upcoming competitions in 2026.
- • Brazil hosted the first World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship in South America in 2025, with R$ 2.06 million invested.
- • The Ministry of Sports invested R$ 7.4 million in sports events across five states in 2025, enhancing national sports infrastructure.
Key details
On December 26, 2025, Juventude began its pre-season training in Caxias do Sul with 27 athletes turning out for the first session under new head coach Maurício Barbieri. Meeting the team for the first time, Barbieri expressed optimism about the camaraderie within the squad and confidence in their potential to succeed in upcoming competitions such as the Campeonato Gaúcho, Copa do Brasil, Copa Sul-Sudeste, and Série B. The club plans to announce its full training schedule shortly, including a possible friendly match before their Campeonato Gaúcho debut against Ypiranga on January 10 or 11 at Estádio Alfredo Jaconi.
Meanwhile, Brazil's Ministry of Sports celebrated a significant 2025 sports calendar, bolstered by an investment of R$ 7.4 million in various events across five states and focused support for gymnastics. The 41st World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship, held from August 15-24 at Arena Carioca I in Rio de Janeiro, marked Brazil and South America's first time hosting such a world championship with a dedicated investment of R$ 2.06 million. The Ministry's investments since 2012 have totaled approximately R$ 17.2 million to enhance gymnastics infrastructure and training nationwide. Arena Carioca I also hosted key competitions in disciplines like jiu-jitsu, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering sports development and preparing the nation for future athletic challenges.
Together, these developments reflect Brazil's forward momentum in sports, combining club-level readiness for 2026 and strategic national investments that elevate the country’s international sporting presence.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
