Faustino
The historic debutant who rose from Rio's youth ranks to lift continental silverware before moving on loan to Portugal and back to Brazil.
Yarlen Faustino Augusto, known simply as Yarlen, is a Brazilian professional footballer born on 20 February 2006. A dynamic winger currently playing for Campeonato Brasileiro Série B side América Mineiro, he operates there on loan from his parent club, Botafogo. His career trajectory has been rapid since joining Botafogo's youth setup in 2021 from Olaria. Yarlen quickly distinguished himself as a historic figure for the Rio de Janeiro club, becoming the first player born in 2006 to feature in an official match for the senior squad. Despite his young age, he has already secured major honors, including a Copa Libertadores and a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title with Botafogo in 2024.
- Date of Birth
- 20 February 2006
- Place of Birth
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Youth Club
- Olaria (until 2021)
- Senior Debut Date
- 3 March 2024
- First Senior Goal Date
- 10 March 2024
- Série A Debut Date
- 1 June 2024
- Contract Renewed Until
- December 2028
- Loan to Tondela Start
- 28 July 2025
- Tondela Appearances
- 14
- Tondela Goals
- 1
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Yarlen's journey into the spotlight began when he joined Botafogo from Olaria in 2021. His breakthrough arrived swiftly on 3 March 2024, during a Campeonato Carioca away fixture against Fluminense. Entering as a late substitute for Kauê in a 4–2 victory, he etched his name into the club's records as the first born in 2006 to play an official game. His impact was immediate; just one week later on 10 March, he scored his first senior goal, netting the opener in a tense 2–1 away win over Sampaio Corrêa-RJ. By 7 May 2024, recognizing his potential, Botafogo secured his future by renewing his contract until December 2028. His ascent continued into the top flight when he made his Série A debut on 1 June 2024. In a gritty 1–0 away triumph over Corinthians, Yarlen replaced Júnior Santos late in the match to help seal the victory. This rapid rise was rewarded with major silverware that same year, as Botafogo claimed both the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles.
In Their Own Story
The summer of 2025 marked a significant turning point for Yarlen's career. On 28 July 2025, he departed Brazil to join Primeira Liga club Tondela on loan, a move that included an option to buy. His time in Portugal was brief but productive; he scored exactly one goal across 14 appearances for the Portuguese side. Following this European stint, Yarlen returned to South America, rejoining the Brazilian football scene. He secured a new loan deal with Série B outfit América Mineiro, where he is set to play until the conclusion of the 2026 season. This move allows him to continue his development in competitive domestic football after his European experience. Throughout these transitions, Yarlen has maintained a connection to his roots, having started at Olaria before ascending through Botafogo's ranks to become a key figure in their historic 2024 double-winning campaign.
Reader's Guide
Biography Born on 20 February 2006 in Rio de Janeiro, Yarlen Faustino Augusto began his journey with Olaria before joining Botafogo in 2021. Career Timeline • 3 March 2024: First team debut vs Fluminense (Came on as sub for Kauê). • 10 March 2024: First senior goal vs Sampaio Corrêa-RJ (Scored the opener in a 2–1 win). • 7 May 2024: Contract renewed with Botafogo until December 2028. • 1 June 2024: Série A debut vs Corinthians (Replaced Júnior Santos in a 1–0 win). • 28 July 2025: Loaned to Tondela (Portugal) with an option to buy. • Post-2025 Season: Returned to Brazil, loaned to América Mineiro until end of 2026. Honours Yarlen was part of the Botafogo squad that won the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2024.
Did You Know?
- Yarlen became the first player born in 2006 to appear for Botafogo in an official match.
- He scored his first senior goal just one week after making his debut, netting the opener against Sampaio Corrêa-RJ.
- His Série A debut came in a 1–0 away victory over Corinthians, where he replaced Júnior Santos.
- Yarlen won both the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with Botafogo in 2024.
- After scoring one goal in 14 games for Tondela in Portugal, he returned to Brazil to join América Mineiro on loan.
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