Ivonei finds form in deeper role at Al-Bataeh | OneFootball

Former Santos prospect Ivonei has rebuilt his game at Al-Bataeh, stepping into a deeper midfield role in the United Arab Emirates. According to Diario Do Peixe, the switch has underpinned his recent upturn.

He left Santos by mutual agreement in June 2024 as the club trimmed its football wage bill during Série B. He moved to Emirati football in August 2024 and has made 37 appearances, scoring two and supplying three assists for Al-Bataeh. He had scored one goal in 39 senior appearances.

In Brazil he often operated close to the attack, helping to build play and arrive in advanced areas. At Al-Bataeh he has taken on greater defensive responsibility, focusing on game reading and organisation without the ball.

He considers himself more complete, saying the role has sharpened his understanding of match moments and positioning. He believes those lessons will serve the rest of his career.

Away from the pitch he has had to adjust to life in a different culture, especially during Ramadan. In the United Arab Emirates, training and fixtures shift to night after sunset to respect the fast.

He initially lived alone and built a routine away from family and friends, describing the move as a daily lesson in independence and cultural respect. He says it is shaping him as both a footballer and a person.

Source: Diario Do Peixe