Mailinho, 34, receives the best-on-the-pitch trophy and describes his working life: "Nobody trains, most of us are just workers"

The author of the stunning chip that tied Borussia vs. Botafogo also walked off with the best-on-the-pitch trophy. Mailinho, Borussia's No. 7, was chosen by commentator João Pedro Barbosa, of Rádio Cultura, in the 1-1 draw on the night of Thursday, November 12, at Coronel Juventino Dias Municipal Stadium. The award is sponsored by Sicoob Copermec and was presented by reporter Renato Corrêa.

Asked about how easily he plays several positions, including as a holding midfielder, he explained that experience and chemistry count for a lot. "We've been training since we were kids. Now we're older, but we manage to keep the pace of the game. The guys who come with us from Três Corações already have chemistry. But we always listen to the coach", he said. He added: "Nobody trains, most of us are just workers, but today, thank God, we managed to play good football."

At 34, Mailinho works at Mangels in Três Corações and says football is more of a weekend thing. "We try to keep up our physical condition so we can meet the expectations the coach has of us on the field."

The trophy was dedicated to his family. "I want to send a hug to my wife, to my daughter who is at home, and to my son, who must be watching and is away, playing", he said. The boy is 14 and plays for Coritiba. "May God bless his career."

Mailinho also spoke about the growth of amateur football in the region: "Lavras football has grown a lot, and so has Varginha's. With your help, amateur football in the region can only get bigger."

All Rex Cup (Copa Rex) matches are broadcast live on Rádio Cultura 96.5 FM and on the station's YouTube channel, with play-by-play by Júnior Murad, commentary by João Pedro Barbosa and reporting by Renato Corrêa. The full broadcast of Borussia vs. Botafogo is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRrcajsf2ug

The 2026 Rex Cup is sponsored by Supermercados Rex, Lavras Municipal Government (Governo Municipal de Lavras), Sicoob Copermec, Pax Carvalho, Laboratório Santa Cecília, Chopp Brahma Express, Fábrica de Óculos, Conecta Internet, Casel Materiais de Construção, 123 Car, Fadminas (Faculdade Adventista de Minas Gerais) and Jornal de Lavras.