Marlon Freitas on Botafogo exit: Palmeiras move a great match | OneFootball

Marlon Freitas arrives at Palmeiras as the first reinforcement for the 2026 season. In recent seasons, the player defended Botafogo, a club that has been rivaling Verdão in the pursuit of national and continental titles. The midfielder, who left the Rio de Janeiro team with idol status, explained the change and projected a “great partnership” with the new team.

“Botafogo and I understood that it was the end of a cycle, a victorious cycle, a cycle of much struggle, and also much resilience. It wasn't easy, because of the history, because of everything that was done, but we have to understand that everything has a beginning, middle, and end. Palmeiras, as a great team, trusted my work. I think, first of all, it's the trust and the project that is presented as well. So, the matter of choice, my family too. They also decide for me. So, it was a good decision,” he declared.

Marlon Freitas at Botafogo

At Botafogo, the club he defended since 2023, Marlon Freitas played 186 games and scored five goals, in addition to winning important titles like the Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores in 2024. In the 2025 season, Marlon Freitas played 59 matches, 56 as a starter, scored one goal, and provided five assists.

“It will be a great partnership,” projects Marlon Freitas

Marlon Freitas signed a contract with Palmeiras until the end of 2028. The player took on the number 27 jersey, which had been vacant since Richard Ríos switched to number 8 before leaving the club last year, and arrives to fill the midfield position. The player revealed his desire to be a protagonist and wants to write his story at Verdão.

“Now it's a new story here. A story that I am sure will be victorious. It's about having a good mindset, tranquility. I know people will say many things, but, as I said, character and respect for the Botafogo institution will never be lacking on my part, because I am very grateful. Anyway, the cycle has ended, now a new story, a new opportunity,” he said.

“It's been very good working with them, I can already feel that it's a club that wants to return to winning big titles. So, I made the right choice, I am in the right place, because I also have this desire to win again, to be a protagonist. I am sure that Marlon Freitas and Palmeiras will be a great partnership,” he concluded.

Can he debut?

Marlon Freitas is the first reinforcement for Palmeiras for the 2026 season. Registered in the BID, the midfielder can debut for Palmeiras in the Paulista this Saturday, against Portuguesa, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), at Canindé, for the first round.

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