The right-back was the record matches holder for Glorioso in 2025 and even had the opportunity to wear the Brazilian team’s jersey
Vitinho had the best season of his entire career in the Botafogo jersey. After the victory against Fortaleza, on the last day of the Brazilian Championship, at Nilton Santos, the right-back closed the year 2025 with 65 matches, of which 60 for Alvinegro, two for the Brazilian team and three for Burnley, from England. He tends to grow in 2026 and is looking for space with the Amarelinha jersey.
After the match against Fortaleza, Vitinho celebrated Botafogo’s milestone, but was keen to recall an irregular start when he arrived at Glorioso in 2024, the year of victories for the Brasileirão and the Libertadores. The right-back even started matches as a starter, but left in most of the matches. However, this was one of the highlights of the Libertadores Grand Final as it was a key turning point for the player.
“I am very happy. I have already said on other occasions that my goal was to play as many matches as possible with Botafogo. I have prepared myself for that. Not only inside the club, but outside the club. I have to thank my staff. I will say his name, Vinícius Zanetti (private fitness trainer). He has been following me for a long time. So, thank him, thank the club for all the support they have given me. I am happy to reach this 60-game mark “It was a tough year for all of us, but I’m happy with my individual season. I had a year, when I arrived last year, of difficulty adapting. But this year, thanks to God, everything went well,” Vitinho told Botafogo TV.
Vitinho played 36 of the 38 rounds of the Brazilian Championship. The full-back’s only two absences in the competition took place against Vasco, on the 32nd day, as he was returning from an engagement with the Brazilian team. In addition, he was absent against Cruzeiro, due to suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards. Throughout the year, he was involved in six goals.
Vitinho for the Selection
With the Brazilian team, Vitinho played a friendly match against South Korea and the final round of the qualifiers against Bolivia. Despite a certain shyness, the Botafogo player did not hesitate to attack and make good plays. In the defensive sector he acted correctly. He thus gains points with Carlo Ancelotti and intensifies the competition for the right flank, even if he is not called up in the latest Italian list.
Against Korea, the full-back had more time on the pitch. He led the team in tackles: there were three while he was on the field. The number 2 also distinguished himself in duels on the ground and in height, with a success rate of 100%. In the 25th minute of the second stage, when the score was 4-0 for the Brazilian team, Vitinho left to make way for Paulo Henrique, from Vasco. Against Bolivia they also played well.
Follow our content on social media: Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About The Author
