(São Paulo, Brazil) – The 2026 World Cup, currently taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is being followed with great interest by students and faculty at the Santa Teresinha Salesian school in São Paulo, Brazil. Marcos Aoás Corrêa—better known as Marquinhos—attended this school and is now a defender for Paris Saint-Germain. He has once again been called up to the Brazilian national team.
The Brazilian defender attended Grades 1 through 5 at Santa Teresinha. Professor Adalberto de Oliveira Barbosa, currently head of the school’s Sports and Dance Department, spoke about him, tracing his development and highlighting how Don Bosco has remained a constant influence throughout his career as a professional athlete.
“Sports at the school are seen as an essential part of students’ holistic formation, in line with the values of Don Bosco’s Salesian pedagogy,” the teacher explained. “Rather than focusing only on developing athletic skills, we aim to strengthen each student as a person, promoting human, social, and Christian values that shape their formation both inside and outside the school.”
Through sports, students learn respect, cooperation, discipline, responsibility, and team spirit in a welcoming and educational environment. “Sports activities provide opportunities for social interaction, personal challenge, and growth, helping children and young people develop confidence, independence, and emotional balance. At Santa Teresinha, we believe sport educates, unites, and transforms lives, serving as an important tool in forming responsible, supportive citizens prepared for life’s challenges,” added Professor Barbosa.
Marquinhos’ journey, the teacher continued, is an example of the relevance of Don Bosco’s Salesian pedagogy, which encourages youth leadership, responsibility, and solidarity. The player attended Santa Teresinha between 2001 and 2005 (Grades 1 through 5), a period during which he earned strong academic results, built positive relationships with classmates, and naturally stood out in sports.
“Marquinhos’ journey shows how sport, combined with education and personal formation, can contribute to the development of great professionals and, above all, great people,” Professor Barbosa emphasized.
Meanwhile, the school wished the player good luck through a social media post. A large number of students, families, and young people responded with messages of congratulations and reflections on the Salesian influence in their lives.
“The Salê, as we affectionately call the school, is much more than an educational institution; it is a place where people are formed with values and character. I am proud to have been part of this family,” wrote one former student, recalling his time at the school.
Marquinhos has played 104 matches for the Seleção. He was part of the Brazil U-20 national team that won the Toulon Tournament in 2014 and earned a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He made his senior national team debut in 2013. He was part of the squad that won the 2019 Copa América, finished as runner-up in the 2021 Copa América, and participated in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Since 2013, he has played for Paris Saint-Germain, where he serves as captain, and has won major European titles, including the UEFA Champions League in the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons.
Source: Brazilian Salesian Bulletin