Marlon Freitas faces Botafogo after controversy, fan backlash and new favourite title at Palmeiras | OneFootball

Palmeiras host Botafogo at Allianz Parque on Wednesday at 19:00 Brasília time, with Marlon Freitas at the heart of it.

Globo.com reports that Freitas joined Botafogo in 2022 during John Textor’s revival, endured the 2023 collapse, then enjoyed a trophy-laden 2024. His idolised spell ended abruptly and some fans now consider him unwelcome as he looks to establish himself at Palmeiras.

A flashpoint came in the 2023 league meeting at Nilton Santos. Botafogo led 3-0, Adryelson was sent off and Tiquinho Soares missed a penalty before Endrick drove a 3-3 fightback. With the game level, Freitas winked towards the bench, Palmeiras then won, and he later apologised, calling it an unfortunate gesture that would not happen again.

He rebounded as captain in 2024 as Botafogo won the Brasileirão and Libertadores in the same season. That double had previously been achieved only by Santos of Pelé and Flamengo of Jorge Jesus.

After a contrasting 2025, renewal talks stalled as Botafogo deemed his wage demands high. With Botafogo in financial difficulty, Palmeiras met his terms and signed him in January for R$ 50 million, a move he asked John Textor to approve.

His exit angered fans, who removed him from a banner and replaced him with goalkeeper Jefferson. He left with 168 games, five goals and 15 assists, and recently said the 2026 Paulistão is his favourite title. At home he will have the crowd largely on his side and a first meeting with Botafogo’s fans since the fallout.

Source: Globo.com