Zeca eyes fourth straight Série B promotion with Athletic | OneFootball

Olympic champion full-back Zeca is aiming to extend his run of promotions, now with Minas Gerais outfit Athletic, who enter their second year in Série B.

According to Globo.com, the former Santos, Vasco, Internacional and Bahia defender has been part of title-winning and promotion campaigns in each of the last three editions, and now seeks a fourth in 2026.

He lifted the 2023 second-tier title after 40 appearances, then helped Mirassol go up in 2024 as runners-up, one point behind champions Santos.

In 2025 he featured for Coritiba, contributing to the title that returned the club to the top flight. Comfortable on either flank, he has become a specialist in Série B climbs.

The only year he missed out on promotion was 2021 with Vasco, who finished 10th.

Athletic avoided relegation in their 2025 debut only on the final day, beating Paysandu 2-1 at Estádio Joaquim Portugal. They have since endured a turbulent 2026, with Zeca starting since his arrival.

After Alex replaced Rui Duarte, the side produced three straight Copa do Brasil qualifications in three weeks, sealing the best cup run in their history. The fifth-round opponents will be drawn on Monday at 14:00, Brasília time.

Athletic open their Série B campaign against Ponte Preta on Sunday at 18:00 at Estádio Joaquim Portugal in São João del Rei. Zeca is expected to start at left-back.

Source: Globo.com