Ex-Santos star Marinho bids farewell to Fortaleza, now a free agent | OneFootball

The forward Marinho bid farewell to Fortaleza through a post on his social media this Thursday. The former Santos player is not expected to have his contract renewed and will be free in the market starting January 2026.

  See this photo on Instagram   A post shared by 𝙈𝙖́𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙎𝙚́𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙤 (@marinhooficial)

In a farewell tone, Marinho apologized for the team's performance and relegation in the Brazilian Championship this year, 2025. However, he also made sure to recall the good moments experienced wearing the Lion's jersey.

Marinho's Numbers for Fortaleza

Marinho played 110 matches, scored 16 goals, and provided 12 assists. He won the Copa do Nordeste, was runner-up in the Copa Sudamericana in 2023, and was part of the historic campaign in the Série A in 2024, when the club finished in 4th place. The best performance by a northeastern team in the first division.

See Marinho's Statement

“I confess that nothing was in the plans of the club, players, and everyone who loves this club. A sad day is seeing a giant fanbase that cheers, vibrates, and did their part, always stood by the players and the institution they love so much.

We fell short, we couldn't keep this club in the elite, but we understand that in moments of pain, there are always culprits, there have always been heroes and villains. But we have our responsibility as players who stepped in, wore the jersey.

Apologies are not enough, it's about asking forgiveness from the fans who will be side by side with this club that will soon return to its rightful place!

There were magical days I lived in this club, important goals, champion of the Copa do Nordeste, best campaign of a northeastern team in the Brasileirão Série A, 4th place and direct spot in the Libertadores, final of the Sudamericana in 2023.

I know I couldn't always help, but I know what was never lacking: commitment, grit, dedication, and effort to always honor the FORTALEZA jersey. I thank those who liked me, and apologize to those who didn't!

But I always gave my best in every match, every training session, my dedication was always to deliver the best to this club. Thank you to every employee I befriended and carry in my heart, the entire club staff, kitchen staff, laundry, cleaning, wardrobe, security!

People behind the scenes who work hard, and I feel for each of you who performed your daily work with excellence.

May Fortaleza have the strength to return to the Elite in 2026, that is my wish

Thank you to the lions of Tuf, because in the worst moment within the club in 2024, they wrote an open letter of support, and I know how important it was to finish the season on a high and help the club finish 4th in the table.

Especially Bruno from Tuf.

Mário Sérgio December 11, 2025“

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