Dudu returns to Nubank Parque to face Palmeiras for first time since exit | OneFootball

Palmeiras host Atlético-MG at Nubank Parque on Sunday 26 at 19:30 Brasília time in the 20th round of the Brasileiro, the start of the second half of the season. The occasion marks Dudu’s first return to the ground since his late-2024 departure.

Nosso Palestra notes that the forward, one of Palmeiras’ defining figures of recent years, left after a turbulent 2024. Midway through that year a series of episodes cast doubt on his future, yet he stayed until the campaign ended and only said goodbye months later.

After leaving, Dudu joined Cruzeiro for a short stint before signing for Atlético-MG. In Belo Horizonte he has come under pressure, faced criticism from supporters and was linked with a possible move to Atlético-GO during the last window.

Sunday brings his first meeting with Palmeiras at a venue where he built much of his success. At the then Allianz Parque, now Nubank Parque, he played a central role in major triumphs, including the Campeonato Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, Libertadores, Recopa Sudamericana and Campeonato Paulista.

Even after his exit, he tops several arena records. Dudu has the most appearances at the stadium with 206 games and the most wins with 144, leads the assists chart with 50, and is the arena’s second-highest scorer on 40 goals, underlining his legacy.

Source: Nosso Palestra