New boy Kaua Prates meets BVB legend Dede | OneFootball

Their home is the left side of defense. One has already finished his career, the other has it all ahead of him. Dede (47) wore Borussia Dortmund’s jersey for 13 long years, and his compatriot Kaua Prates will start at BVB this coming August.

On Thursday, the Bundesliga runners-up announced the signing of the young Brazilian. Once he turns 18, Kaua Prates will officially transfer from Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte to Germany. Sporting CEO Lars Ricken (49) counts the defensive player “among the most talented in South America.” BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl (46) agrees: “With his tackling strength, robustness, and mentality, he will definitely enrich our team in the coming season.”

Across all competitions, Kaua Prates made 17 appearances for Cruzeiro’s first team. He has also played five times for his country’s U17 national team. His dream is surely to one day play for the Seleção. That’s an experience Dede was able to have once in his career. In April 2004, he played one half in the 4-1 away win against Hungary, then coached by Lothar Matthäus (64).

“Win the Champions League and become German champion”

But first, the youngster wants to prove himself in the Bundesliga. On the club’s website, he reveals in a conversation with Dede his dreams: “My biggest wish is to win the Champions League and become German champion.” Kaua Prates has set himself big goals: “Individually, I want to get better and develop into one of the best full-backs in the world.”

The top talent describes himself as “a player who attacks a lot, delivers many crosses, looks for shots on goal, and defends very well.” BVB fans can therefore look forward to a player with “a lot of fighting spirit and a lot of commitment to every ball.” He says he is “already very excited and talks a lot with my parents.”

Photo: Getty Images

Dede is a legend with almost 400 appearances for the Black and Yellows. But the first months weren’t easy for the then 20-year-old, who was born in Belo Horizonte but never played for Cruzeiro. “Off the pitch, it was pretty tough—one of the hardest times I’ve ever experienced,” admits the former Bundesliga star. There was no internet, no translator available. But he “fully integrated and made it.” Something that is also to be wished for Kaua Prates.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.