Football Season Guide

Chapecoense’s 2025 season was defined by a determined return to the elite: ‘Verdão’ finished third in Série B and earned promotion to Série A, ending a four-year absence from the top flight after relegation in 2021. Left-back Walter Clar and experienced midfielder Giovanni Augusto were the standouts of the team in the year. For the third time in history, Gilmar dal Pozzo achieved promotion with Chapecoense, but this time the club decided to keep him on board to the transition to top flight. His possession style was seen as not suited for a team that will be expected to defend most of the time. However, this time around, he was given the chance to adapt his ideas for the Série A challenge. 'Chape' signed with some important players with top flight experience, most notably left-back Bruno Pacheco, attacking midfielder Camilo and striker Yannick Bolasie, but the strongest achievement on the transfer market was to keep all important players from last season. Set-piece expert, left-back Walter Clay, experienced playmaker Giovanni Augusto, reliable midfielder Rafael Carvalheira and winger Marcinho are the strongest units within the club.