At 38, Dutch champion centre-back signs for Portuguesa | OneFootball

Portuguesa confirmed this Friday the signing of defender Eric Botteghin to strengthen the squad in 2026. With a Dutch Championship title under his belt, the 38-year-old defender returns to Brazilian football after nearly two decades in Europe and signed a contract until the end of the next season.

Between 2007 and 2021, Botteghin played for clubs in the Netherlands and, with Feyenoord, won the Dutch Cup (2014/15, 2015/16, and 2016/17) and the Dutch Championship (2016/17, ending an 18-year drought), as well as the Super Cup in the same season. Afterwards, he played for the Italian clubs Ascoli and Modena, his last club.

“It was many years living European football and learning at a high level, but I always kept the desire to return to my country. Portuguesa presented me with a very serious project, with a solid structure and ambition for growth. I am happy and motivated to be part of this journey and contribute with all my experience on and off the field,” declared Botteghin.

Football coordinator Marco Antonio celebrated the arrival of the reinforcement. “Botteghin is an athlete with a history of leadership and achievements. He was captain in major clubs, has game reading, technical quality, and a career marked by consistency and achievements. He comes to add to the group and help in the pursuit of our goals for the season,” he stated.

The defender has already undergone medical examinations and started working with the squad. Botteghin is the fourth reinforcement for Lusa in 2026, following Gustavo Salomão, Gabriel Pires, and Zé Vitor.

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