Kannemann’s decade at Grêmio brings silverware, iconic partnership and setbacks | OneFootball

Walter Kannemann completes a decade at Grêmio after being unveiled on 15 July 2016. Now 35, he has made 341 appearances, collecting major honours and forging a strong bond with supporters.

According to Globo.com, he joined from Atlas at 25, having already won the 2014 Libertadores with San Lorenzo. He debuted on 24 August against Athletico-PR in the Copa do Brasil, starting as Wallace Reis was ineligible after playing for Flamengo.

He quickly established himself and helped secure the 2016 Copa do Brasil. To date he has 5 goals, 7 assists and 31,816 minutes for the club, and earned an Argentina call-up in 2018 before making the 2022 preliminary World Cup list.

His partnership with Pedro Geromel became one of the club’s defining pairings, notably in the 2017 Libertadores triumph. Together they started 176 matches, with 94 wins, 46 draws and 36 defeats, a 62.12% return, and popularised the trophy‑kiss image among fans.

Fitness issues have punctuated recent seasons, including a hip problem in 2021, surgery at the end of that year and only 9 outings in 2022. A further hip procedure sidelined him for 6 months in 2024, and a grade‑two left thigh injury cost him 6 games in early 2026. He has received 155 cards, 142 yellow and 13 red.

Naturalised Brazilian in March 2026, he is the club’s second most‑used foreigner, behind Atílio Ancheta on 428 games. Team-mates and Renato Portaluppi have lauded his leadership and commitment.

Currently a reserve under Luís Castro, his deal runs until the end of next year. He enjoys living in Porto Alegre and intends to remain there after retirement.

Source: Globo.com