Football Season Guide

‘Fogão’ were overly dominant in Série B, last season. They are back to top flight with complete merit, finishing on top of the table with the best attack (51 goals) and best defence (31). Navarro (joined Palmeiras, this season) was the reference in attack, finishing with 15 goals. Botafogo showed credentials in Campeonato Carioca in 2022. They finished fourth in the regular part of the season, and reached semi-finals, putting out a good contest to finalist Fluminense (knocked-out due to unlucky last minute goal conceded). Businessman John Textor took control of the club and is ready to invest heavily on the squad. He managed to bring a big international name for the dugout, Vítor Castro (former Shakhtar Donestsk manager). The Portuguese stressed that this is a long-term project, and not one to start winning titles already. The eternal Gatito continues to be the team's rock in goal. Kanu and Joel Carli will form the duo at the back for the 3rd season in a row. New signing Philipe Sampaio is a very decent reserve for those two. Injury-prone Saravia was brought for the right side, but for now Daniel Borges will remain the main option. Finnish Hämäläinen (QPR) is close to sign in and solve the problem on the left side since Carlinhos picked a serious injury. Fabinho and Barreto have been the options for the centre of the pitch, but the two main men will surely be two new signings: Oyama returns to the club after excellent season in 2021; Patrick de Paula is an exciting new name whose arrival proves the ambition of the club. Lucas Piazon arrives from Braga and should be the biggest source for creativity. Luís Fernando arrived from Grêmio and has been a regular option on the wings. Erison has been the biggest sensation of 2022, so far, playing mostly as second-half option but grabbing some impressive 8 goals in “Cariocão”. 18-years old Matheus Nascimento is the biggest talent of the squad and will be the main reference now that Navarro is gone. The squad seems a bit short in options, unless kids such as Kayke, Raí, Romildo or Rikelmy confirm their talents at senior level and establish themselves as competent squad options already for this season.