Athletico-PR, Botafogo and Vasco joint top for foreign signings since 2019 | OneFootball

Claudio Spinelli’s arrival has moved Vasco level with Athletico-PR and Botafogo atop Brazil’s foreign-signings charts since 2019, each on 34.

According to Globo.com, top-flight clubs have signed 481 overseas players across the past eight seasons, and 25% of 2026 arrivals so far are foreign.

Returning to Série A after 32 years, Remo have added four foreign players in 2026, Rafael Monti, Braian Cufré, Leonel Picco and Franco Catarozzi. Atlético-MG and Vasco follow with three each.

Across the period, Internacional and Santos also feature heavily with 30 foreign recruits apiece, while Grêmio have 28 and Fortaleza 27. Atlético-MG and Fluminense each have 24, São Paulo 23.

On a proportional measure São Paulo lead, 23 of 73 signings being foreign, 31.5%. Internacional are next at 31.25%, having added Félix Torres and Rodrigo Villagra this year, with Athletico-PR at 30%.

The rise tracks regulatory shifts, the per-match foreigner limit has climbed from three to nine in 12 Brasileirões, alongside FIFA restrictions, earlier exports and major club spend. São Paulo executive Rui Costa has argued the trend is market driven rather than a slight on Brazilian talent.

In 2026 there are 161 foreign players registered in Série A, every club has at least one. Grêmio lead with 13, ahead of Internacional on 12, with Athletico-PR, Botafogo and Fluminense on 11. Remo and São Paulo have 10.

Argentines dominate with 45 representatives, followed by Colombians, Uruguayans, Paraguayans and Ecuadorians. South America accounts for 138 of the 161 foreign players.

Source: Globo.com