On the afternoon of November 29, 2024, Botafogo-SP announced, in a press conference, its squad planning for 2025. The club renewed the contracts of goalkeeper Victor Souza, defender João Carlos, and left-back Jean Victor until 2025, and also informed that 13 players from 2024 will not have their contracts renewed.
Additionally, Argentine midfielder Leandro Maciel will renew for another two years, staying in the Botafogo-SP squad.
Squad adjustments and player exits
The Botafogo-SP plans to adjust its 2024 squad and has already confirmed that 13 players will not have their contracts renewed. The complete list includes goalkeeper Michael Fracaroli, full-backs Tássio, Pedro Costa, and Patrick Brey, defenders Fábio Sanchez, Rafael, and Bernardo Shappo, midfielders Carlos Manuel and Felipe Souto, and forwards Emerson Negueba, Bruno Mátos, Alex Sandro, and Victor Andrade.
Analyzing the list, it is noted that Patrick Brey and Carlos Manuel have been with Botafogo-SP for two seasons. Brey played 77 matches, while Carlos participated in 61 games. Forward Alex Sandro, the team's top scorer this season with nine goals, will also not continue with Botafogo-SP. Negueba was one of the players with the most playing time this year, featuring in 54 of the 62 matches for Botafogo-SP.
Among the highlights is Victor Andrade, who was nicknamed "the new Neymar" at the beginning of his professional career at Vila Belmiro. This year, the forward scored two goals and provided two assists for Botafogo-SP, becoming a starter, but his departure has been confirmed. One of the standout players was midfielder Felipe Souto, who was honored during the press conference by the club's president, Adalberto Baptista, receiving a plaque and a shirt in recognition of his work at Botafogo-SP.
Preparations for the 2025 season
Coach Márcio Zanardi expects to have 80% of the squad defined by the start of pre-season, scheduled for December 16. He plans to conduct training with 26 contracted players and some youth team athletes. Botafogo-SP will participate in the Campeonato Paulista and the Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2025, aiming to advance to the knockout stages of the state championship and fight for promotion to Série A.
This year, the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) changed the regulations, increasing the number of players registered in the A list from 26 to 30. The coach believes that, starting January 15, Botafogo-SP will have 22 players registered and some from the youth team for the state championship, in addition to the players on the B list. Offensive midfielder Douglas Baggio, who reached his match goals, had his contract automatically renewed and is in negotiations with Botafogo-SP.
Pre-season planning
Days off during the year-end holidays are scheduled for December 24 and 25, as well as for December 31 and January 1.
Recommended reading: Botafogo schedule Botafogo 2024 jersey
