Veteran midfielder Yuri Lara finds himself emotionally caught between two defining clubs of his football journey — Vasco da Gama and CSA — as they square off in the Copa do Brasil round of 16. Now playing for Yokohama FC in Japan, Lara admits he’ll be “sitting on the fence” when the teams take the pitch, unable to choose sides between the club of his childhood dreams and the one that revived his professional career.
Born and raised in Pavuna, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone, Lara grew up in a Vasco-loving family and spent many afternoons cheering from the stands of São Januário. In 2022, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by helping Vasco gain promotion from Série B to Série A, appearing in 40 matches and earning a reputation as a tireless workhorse in midfield. But despite that deep connection, his affection for CSA is no less significant.
In 2018, CSA became a lifeline for Lara during a critical low point in his early career. After being sidelined for nearly two years with persistent knee injuries — including two meniscus tears and three surgeries — his future in professional football was uncertain. Bahia, his club at the time, had no plans to use him, and Lara found himself with no playing opportunities and no direction.
CSA stepped in and took a chance, signing him on loan. That season, Lara helped lead the team to a historic runner-up finish in Série B, securing CSA’s first promotion to Brazil’s top flight in over 30 years. More than just stats, the opportunity revived his confidence and trajectory. “I came back to football because of CSA,” he recalled. “It’s a very strong feeling. It’s a very important club in my career.”
With the upcoming Copa do Brasil matchup, Lara confesses the emotional stakes are high. “If it were any other club, I’d have no problem making a prediction,” he told reporters. “But this one… I’ll just be watching quietly, without picking sides. Both teams mean too much to me.”
Yuri Lara’s journey back to Vasco in 2021 was a dream realized — but also a high-pressure gamble. At 27, after a standout season with CSA, he was approached by Vasco during a period of rebuilding following their failure to gain promotion the previous year. Lara, known for his relentless midfield hustle, quickly became a fan favorite. Nicknamed “Pitbull of the Hill,” he embodied the fighting spirit that Vasco supporters longed for.
He was instrumental in Vasco’s gritty 2022 promotion campaign. The season culminated in the emotional “Battle of Itu” — a tense 1-0 win over Ituano that secured the club’s return to the top tier. Lara played a key role, helping manage a game weighed down by expectations. “Psychologically, that game was incredibly heavy,” he admitted. “Each of us carried the burden of an entire fanbase.”
Despite his success, Lara’s time at Vasco lasted only one season. A contract clause guaranteed an extension if promotion was achieved, and while the club expressed interest in retaining him, Lara opted to sign a three-year deal with Japan’s Yokohama FC. With a pregnant wife and positive memories from a previous stint in Japanese football, he embraced a new chapter.
While Vasco fans largely remember him fondly, Lara acknowledges that not all CSA supporters share the same sentiment. His decision to leave the club for Vasco, particularly after coming close to another promotion, sparked disappointment. “I have a very large debt with CSA,” he admitted. “Some fans were upset, and I understand that. It’s a football thing. I still hope to give something back someday.”
Now 31, Lara’s future remains uncertain. His contract with Yokohama FC is nearing its end, and although he hopes for a renewal, discussions have yet to take place. Despite speculation, a return to Brazilian football doesn’t appear to be on his radar at the moment.
What is certain, however, is that both Vasco and CSA occupy irreplaceable places in his heart. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and gratitude — for the club that raised him and the one that rescued him.
“When I set foot at Vasco, I wanted to leave my name in the club’s history, even if just a little,” he said. “And I think I did.”
