A former West Ham academy prospect has taken an unexpected turn in his career by joining Taubaté, a non-league side competing in Brazil’s second division of the São Paulo state championship.
The club have announced the signing of 25-year-old midfielder Bernardo Rosa, who came through the West Ham youth system after leaving Flamengo as a teenager.
Rosa was once regarded as one of the brightest prospects of Flamengo’s 2000 generation, wearing the number 10 shirt alongside the likes of Vinícius Júnior before moving to England at the age of 16.
He joined West Ham United’s academy in 2016 with his family, progressing from the U18s to the U23s and even training with the Premier League squad during his time in London.
After nearly a decade abroad, including a spell in the Czech Republic, the midfielder has now returned to his home country.
“It’s a very good feeling to be back in Brazil after so long away,” he told local outlet Futebol Interior. “It’s been almost ten years, so being closer to family and friends is something very special.”
Rosa’s move marks a significant change of scenery for a player who once showed promise in England’s top flight setup.
His next challenge will now be helping Taubaté in their push for promotion from the São Paulo state’s second division, which sits below the national football pyramid.