Walter stays at Mirassol until 2026, targets Brasileiro, eyes Libertadores | OneFootball

The goalkeeper Walter was one of the highlights for Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship of 2025. The team from the interior of São Paulo finished in fourth place and secured a direct spot in the group stage of the Libertadores. The goalkeeper revealed that he renewed his contract and will continue helping the team in the next season, making projections for 2026.

“I’m staying, I’ve already renewed, I’m very happy, I wanted to stay, things went well. It’s about continuing the work, improving, performing better, taking better care to achieve bigger things. I think Rafael Guanaes is also staying,” he revealed in an interview with ESPN, during the Bola de Prata award ceremony.

Expectations for the Libertadores

Mirassol will compete in a Libertadores edition for the first time in history. The team led by coach Rafael Guanaes had a campaign in the Brazilian Championship with 67 points. There were 18 wins, 13 draws, and seven losses. Walter said that the focus will again be on the Brazilian Championship and sees the continental competition as a “bonus.”

“We didn’t imagine this achievement, gradually we gained courage, with dedication. Libertadores is Libertadores, it has a greater taste, it’s a bonus we earned. I think the focus will be the Brazilian Championship, but it’s delightful to play in a tournament like this,” he declared.

The goalkeeper also spoke about Rafael Guanaes’ work.

“It’s a lot of work, dedication, being concerned with the group, accepting what the coach is conveying and fulfilling the idea. A lot of courage to play, not being afraid to make mistakes. He (Guanaes) instills this in us every day, and we managed to show it on the field,” he continued.

Career Moment

Walter spoke about the good moment he is experiencing in his career. The goalkeeper spent eight seasons at Corinthians as a reserve. Then, he was transferred to Cuiabá, where he had a four-year stint until being signed by Mirassol.

“Of course, we don’t choose the right moment for things to happen. But I think everything went as planned, it was the right path to leave Corinthians for Cuiabá and then improve myself to become this more modern goalkeeper. Grateful for everything I’m experiencing. It’s about working because the pressure will come again next year, and the mindset has to be ready for it,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.