Flamengo starlet Lincoln is setting his sights high, citing five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration.
The 17-year-old Brazilian was this week included in Goal’s annual NxGn list of the 50 best Under-19 talents in world football.
And he says that the Real Madrid attacker's determination and mental strength is the perfect example for any young player hoping to make their way to the top of world football.
“My main reference is Cristiano Ronaldo,” Lincoln told Goal.
“Besides his unquestionable quality, he is a winner who works very hard and always wants more. So, I have him as an example, not only as a player, but as a person as well.”
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The teenage forward, who hit his first senior goal in January of this year, has been thrust into the limelight after starring for Brazil at youth level.
“Everything is going really well and I’m very happy with it all,” he says. “I’m very still young and have a lot of work to do. This is just the beginning of my career and I know that I have a long way to go.
“I am trying to absorb as much as I can in training and get as much advice as possible from the more experienced players.
"My only focus is on putting in the hard work that will enable me to sustain my early success.”
Lincoln has emerged from the ‘2000 generation’ – spearheaded by Vinicius Junior (who finished third in this year’s NxGn) – which has been heralded as Brazil’s most promising group of youngsters in years.
He is one of many bright prospects from the side that claimed the South American Under-17 Football Championship last year.
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This exciting band of potential superstars also includes prodigious Vasco forward Paulinho, who was also selected in Goal’s NxGn top 50.
“I am very happy to be with Vasco and to be part of the U20 national team,” Paulinho told Goal.
“This is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication. At 17, no one can really expect to be here.
"My future will depend on what I do today. I’m working to ensure I sustain a good period in my career and will do everything I can to achieve my goals.”