Hugo shines: Three clean sheets and record penalty saves power Corinthians revival | OneFootball

Hugo Souza’s run in goal for Corinthians has reached a new level in the early months of 2025. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is in the midst of the most consistent spell of his career, stacking up three clean sheets in Corinthians’ last five matches, including key goalless draws against Vitória and Atlético-MG, as well as the 1-0 victory over Santos. In a season marked by defensive adjustments and tight margins, Hugo’s performances have translated directly into points for Dorival Júnior’s side in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

The numbers behind Hugo’s recent form tell the story. Across those five fixtures, he produced six vital saves—two against Vitória, three in the match versus Atlético-MG, and one more to preserve the result against Santos. Although he conceded three goals in games against Mirassol and Internacional, the overall output has been defined by consistency and composure. Hugo’s average of 0.93 goals conceded per game, over more than 1,600 minutes this year, is the lowest among Corinthians’ squad and puts him among the most reliable keepers in the league this season.

Hugo recently entered the club’s top five for most penalty saves—a notable feat for a club with a long line of storied goalkeepers. He has stopped seven penalties in just 50 appearances for Corinthians. That tally already exceeds his total from previous stints at Flamengo and Chaves. Perhaps the most high-profile of those came in the 2025 Paulista final, when Hugo saved a spot-kick from Raphael Veiga. The stop proved pivotal in ending Corinthians’ six-year wait for a state title, and the moment was heavily referenced in national and international outlets, which placed him in various rankings of the world’s best goalkeepers in 2025.

His form has not gone unnoticed beyond the club. Carlo Ancelotti handed Hugo his second call-up to the Brazil national squad, this time for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. It was the first selection for Hugo since establishing himself as an undisputed starter at a major club, reflecting the impact he has made over the course of the season.

Within the current Brasileirão, Hugo measures up favourably to his peers. His total of clean sheets and high-profile interventions puts him in line with the league’s most effective stoppers. In penalty situations, his record is more efficient than recent Corinthians icons, achieving his mark in fewer matches.

Inside the dressing room, Hugo’s presence has become pivotal. His reliability has brought stability to a defence that, earlier in the campaign, lacked cohesion. Players and staff cite his influence as a factor in the club’s improved results since March.

Hugo’s run—three clean sheets in five games, a personal record for penalties saved, and national team recognition—illustrates the rapid trajectory of a player who was still searching for a long-term home just a year ago. His performances continue to shape the direction of Corinthians’ season and are being closely followed by both fans and scouts across the continent.