The former goalkeeper, who currently works as a coach in the United States, was a proof of love and gratitude with Glorioso
Summary
Jefferson recalls his dedication to Botafogo even in difficult times, such as refusing European offers during Serie B, highlights the importance of patience with current goalkeepers and reveals his desire to return to the club as a coach in the future.
Jefferson knows his story with Botafogo goes far beyond any title or victory on the pitch. Long before fans dreamed of the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles, the goalkeeper was a sign of love and gratitude for Glorioso: he ignored salary delays and refused offers from Europe to stay at General Severiano during Serie B.
“My identification with Botafogo is something in the most difficult period of the club. Bebeto (de Freitas, former president of the club) spoke at the time and really touched us: ‘if you didn’t do what you did this year, Botafogo would close its doors’. Everything that Botafogo is experiencing today, the players there who had to carry the piano. Many play the piano today, but many had to carry the piano. That was the loyalty, not giving up the moment when the club has me the most I think those are our real titles there,” he said in a conversation with the Earth.
This love story – which even became a banner for black and white fans and a painting on the wall of idols – began with a loan from Cruzeiro for the 2003 Serie B conflict. The “marriage” was a success straight away, but it was in a second phase that the relationship created bonds that will never be forgotten by Botafogenses.
After playing in Turkish football, Botafogo opened the doors for Jefferson when no one else had faith in his potential. The deal initially took place with a three-month contract for the 2009 Brasileirão. But those few months turned into almost 10 years of contract, the culmination of which goes far beyond the titles won.
In 2014, while he was a constant element of the Brazilian team, Jefferson managed to stand out in the team that fell in Serie B of the Brazilian Championship. With the financial crisis and salary delays, the goalkeeper has become a target for teams around the world, including Santos and Tottenham of England. But at that moment, gratitude spoke louder and number 1 didn’t even want to hear the proposals.
“I couldn’t leave Botafogo at that time. I was ten months late, but I couldn’t leave. It would be total ingratitude. Just when I needed it, Botafogo opened the doors for me. Honestly, I didn’t think about the question of Selection, whether it would hurt me or not. I said we would move up and that if I had to leave after 2016, I would leave. It’s really something to reciprocal I made with Botafogo I didn’t leave Botafogo in hand. I won’t say that I paid the debt, because it wasn’t a debt, but it was something I had to do.
After refusing to play European football, Jefferson remained at Glorioso until the end of his career, in 2018, playing 459 matches. His history with the Brazilian team, however, ended in 2015.
By hanging up his gloves, the former number 1 started a new life in the United States, where he now works as a goalkeeping coach for Orlando City. Even from afar, the idol continues to support Botafogo and of course gives his opinion on the current situation of the club.
Expectations of a new return
When analyzing the 2025 season, Jefferson missed the continuity of the team, which won the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles the previous year. For a better year 2026, the supporters of the former goalkeeper are demanding a few pieces in the squad.
“Botafogo already has a game characteristic. What made a big difference were the side players. Botafogo had a very fast midfield. Today the most important characteristic is marking. But to come out in transition, Botafogo needs to have players who come out quickly. Botafogo needs players with that quick transition that worked, but for that you have to have side players”, reflects the idol.
Between comings and goings, Botafogense’s season was marked by John’s difficult departure for Nottingham Forest, in England. As an alternative, Botafogo looked to recruit Neto from Bournemouth.
The newcomer, however, barely had time to enter the field and was injured in his fourth match, forcing Léo Linck to take over. As for the two goalkeepers, the former number 1 understands the importance of the calm of the supporters in the adaptation process.
“It’s worth starting the year by giving this opportunity to the goalkeepers who are there. John himself has had his ups and downs, but he has improved a lot and has taken off. We need to have a little more patience and be able to give opportunities to those who are at the club,” he adds.
Looking ahead, Jefferson still hopes to one day return to Botafogo as goalkeeping coach. In the meantime, it continues to make headway in the United States.
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