Football Season Guide

Bahia’s 2025 season was quite positive, despite some lows: they finished 7th in Série A, earning a pre-Libertadores position for 2026, and boasted one of the most rewarding campaigns for the club in years, having flirted with a top-4 position for most of the season. Their home performance was remarkable. In Copa do Brasil they reached quarter-finals before elimination. They exited Libertadores at the group stage and dropped into the Sul-Americana play-offs. Their lack of injuries for 2/3 of the season allowed coach Ceni to keep a strong XI in most games, but as soon as injuries and fatigue started to appear, the results inevitably dropped. The trio in midfield was the team's main strength: Everton Ribeiro, Caio Alexandre and Jean Lucas were stellar while they were fit and fresh. Manager Rogério Ceni will start his 4th year at Bahia, a personal record for him. Slowly, he has established himself as a reference at the club, probably more than he had been at Fortaleza, something he probably though it would be impossible. Ceni led Bahia to their best season ever at Série A, in 2026, but there were some signs late on the season that Ceni will need some refreshment on his approach for the new year. Only two new signings, so far: the young full-back Roman Gomez, very competent in defensive tasks and with a big margin for growing while ready to play immediately since he has strong experience in high competitive matches; and the winger Kike Olivera, arriving from Grêmio, also a player for the future but with much to give already for the next season, most likely starting many games from the bench. Arias left, but he seems well replaced by the younger Gomez; however, the departure of striker Tiago is something Ceni won't be very happy with. While not a regular starter in 2025, Tiago looked ready to explode in this season and become exactly what the squad is lacking: a reference on the striker position. At 36, Éverton Ribeiro is still very relevant in Brazilian football, and he proved to be in fine shape in the end of last season after a worrying health problem. Jean Lucas and Caio Alexandre complete a top-levl midfield trio; Ademir and Pulga are very good wingers. Perhaps the downside of this squad is the lack of options for the striker position. Willian José is a competent goal scorer but not only he lacks proper backup, he's level is a notch or two below his attacking teammates. Three young names to keep an eye for the new season are Dell (17), Kauê Furquim (16) and Ruan Pablo (17), all attackers.