Goalkeeper Gabriel Batista has become a new reinforcement for the Brazilian club Botafogo. He is moving to the team coached by Portuguese Franklim Carvalho after four seasons spent at Santa Clara, which belongs to the Portuguese I League of football.
Memories of Santa Clara
In his statement, the club from the Azores highlighted Gabriel Batista's significance in the team's historical journey, which concluded with the II League championship title in the 2023/24 season, as well as the club's best league classification (fifth place) in the following season.
The athlete himself emphasized that although he is leaving the club, he will forever remain a supporter of Santa Clara, promising to always support and rejoice in every victory and achievement of the club. Batista played 138 matches for the Azorean club.
Transfer Details and Squad
Botafogo also announced the contract signing on social media, specifying that the goalkeeper signed an agreement valid until the end of 2029. Gabriel Batista joined Santa Clara in the 2022/23 season, coming from Flamengo.
Batista is among the group of players who have left the club, including Gabriel Silva (Sporting Braga), Clisman (Neftichi), João Afonso (FC Porto), Sérgio (Levski Sofia), Venansiu (at the end of his contract), and Carter (Viseu).
Santa Clara's Prospects
Santa Clara, which finished 13th in the I League in the 2025/26 season, will start the new championship by hosting Nacional in the first round, which will take place on August 10.