Former Santos man João Basso signs for Cuiabá | OneFootball

Cuiabá has agreed to sign 29-year-old center back João Basso. The defender joins Dourado after a spell at Santos, the club for which he played two Brazilian Championship matches this year.

A product of Paraná’s youth system, Basso began his professional career in 2015. The following season, he played 21 matches for the Paraná-based team before moving to Portuguese football. In Portugal, the center back spent seven seasons, with spells at Estoril Praia, Arouca, and Real SC, gaining experience in European football.

In 2023, Basso returned to Brazil to play for Santos. The following year, he had a brief spell at Estoril before returning to the São Paulo club, where he had been under contract for the past two seasons. He now strengthens Cuiabá for the remainder of the national competitions.

Controversial exit

Without much room under Juan Pablo Vojvoda, João Basso terminated his contract with Santos at the beginning of March. The center back’s departure prompted a reaction from Neymar, who said goodbye to his former teammate on social media and stated that he “deserved more respect.” The comment drew a response from club president Marcelo Teixeira.

“You have to ask Neymar what he meant. The club’s decisions are professional. I think he spoke out of emotion and friendship with Basso. We respect that, but the decisions are professional,” the executive said.

In the post, Neymar wished the defender luck and said he regretted the way the farewell happened. “Good luck in your new chapter, brother. I’m sad to see you leaving like this… You’re very professional and deserved more respect! But that’s life, right… I only wish you good things. I’ll always be rooting for you,” he wrote.

Neymar and Basso are friends both on and off the field. The center back has even visited the No. 10’s home both on the coast of São Paulo and in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro.

Signed by Santos in 2023, Basso was unable to establish himself in the team. In total, he played 36 matches, scored three goals, and provided one assist. In 2026, he took the field only twice before leaving the club.

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