Kaiki leads Série A defenders for big chances created and tackles in 2026 | OneFootball

Cruzeiro’s undisputed first-choice full-back, Kaiki’s numbers in 2026 show frequent involvement in different phases of Cruzeiro’s game. According to a Sofascore survey, the left-back leads all Série A defenders in big chances created (10) and tackles (63), while also ranking among the top names in both offensive and defensive metrics.

In 30 matches played so far, the player has three assists and a 28% crossing accuracy, a skill that is usually part of his contribution on the left side. The figure also represents growth compared to last season, when he ended the year with 18% accuracy in the same category, indicating improved efficiency in balls played into the box and in moves built down that flank.

Defensively, the full-back has also posted a high volume of actions throughout the season. He has 200 defensive actions, an average of 7.4 per game, in addition to 99 balls recovered, 27 interceptions and 172 duels won, with an average of 6.7 per match.

The player’s individual standout performances have not gone unnoticed by the European market. In this transfer window, he had concrete negotiations with Como of Italy, which made approaches for the full-back at different points during the window. Cruzeiro even rejected initial offers because it considered the amounts below expectations for a player internally viewed as an important part of the squad and a valuable club asset.

Talks later progressed, with new offers presented by the Italians, but the sale of young Kauã Prates to Borussia Dortmund slowed down a positive outcome for the player to move to Italian football. The expectation is that in the next mid-year window, offers could arrive that might lead to the player leaving the club. Kaiki is currently under contract with Raposa until the end of 2027.

Kaiki’s numbers in 2026 (Sofascore):

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