Cuiabano, a 22-year-old left-back, returns to Botafogo on loan just four days after being sold to Nottingham Forest, England, in a lightning-fast deal finalized on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. The decision, which surprised fans, reflects the player’s desire to stay with the Rio club and the strength of the partnership between John Textor, Botafogo’s SAF owner, and Evangelos Marinakis, Nottingham’s owner. The transfer, completed on the final day of the window, strengthens Botafogo’s squad for the season. This move is another chapter in the business relationship between the two clubs, which has already moved over R$860 million in two years.
Cuiabano’s return to Botafogo caught even the most attentive fans off guard. After bidding farewell on social media with an “until soon,” the player’s wish to stay was granted in record time. The deal, led directly by Textor, relied on Marinakis’ flexibility, who agreed to the loan without resistance, maintaining the “friendly” business strategy between the clubs.
- Player’s motivation: Cuiabano expressed a desire to stay at Botafogo, where he feels connected.
- Tight window: Deal finalized on the last day, showcasing Botafogo’s agility.
- Strategic partnership: Textor and Marinakis strengthen ties with another transaction.
- Squad impact: Return addresses the left-back shortage after a failed attempt to sign Erik.
Botafogo now focuses on reintegrating the player, who hasn’t played since August 3 due to an ankle injury.
Lightning-fast left-back deal
Cuiabano’s transfer to Nottingham Forest, announced on Friday, August 29, 2025, for €6 million (R$38.2 million), seemed to seal his departure. However, the player’s desire to stay at Botafogo changed the course of events. Sources close to the deal reveal that Botafogo ramped up talks in the final days of the window, leveraging the close relationship between Textor and Marinakis. The loan agreement, without a purchase option, ensures Cuiabano stays with the squad until mid-2026, with a possible extension.
Nottingham Forest, which had already signed three other Botafogo players in 2025 (Jair, Igor Jesus, and John), showed flexibility in releasing the left-back. The decision aligns with Marinakis’ strategy of maintaining strong ties with Textor, who faces legal battles to retain control of Botafogo’s SAF. The deal’s speed surprised even the player’s staff, who were already in England for medicals.
- Transfer value: €6 million, with Botafogo retaining a percentage of future resale.
- Loan duration: Contract until July 2026, with potential for extension.
- Textor-Marinakis connection: Direct talks, no intermediaries, sped up the agreement.
Cuiabano’s return is seen as an immediate boost for coach Davide Ancelotti, who plans to reintegrate him for the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil.
Cuiabano is a Red! 🇧🇷
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 1, 2025
Cuiabano’s Botafogo journey
Cuiabano joined Botafogo in 2024 and quickly won over fans with solid performances. In 60 matches, he scored seven goals and provided seven assists, impressive figures for a left-back. His versatility, supporting both attack and defense, made him a key piece in the team’s tactics. Recently, he took on the iconic number 6 shirt, worn by Nilton Santos, after Patrick de Paula’s departure.
The injury against Cruzeiro on August 3, 2025, sidelined him recently, but he’s nearing full recovery. His return is strategic, especially after the failed attempt to sign Al Ain’s Erik for the position. Botafogo now has more depth at left-back, with Cuiabano as the clear starter.
Textor-Marinakis partnership thrives
The bond between John Textor and Evangelos Marinakis has grown since 2024, with deals totaling over R$860 million. Besides Cuiabano, Nottingham acquired Jair, Igor Jesus, and goalkeeper John from Botafogo in 2025, while Botafogo signed ex-Palmeiras midfielder Danilo for €22 million (R$140.2 million). This constant player exchange reflects both owners’ vision of creating a talent pipeline between Brazil and Europe.
Textor, navigating a legal dispute to separate Botafogo from Eagle Football Holdings, found a strategic ally in Marinakis. The Greek tycoon, who owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave alongside Nottingham, is interested in investing in Brazilian football and is reportedly eyeing Botafogo’s inclusion in his club network. This partnership could yield long-term benefits, like greater visibility for young talents and revenue from future sales.
- Players traded: Jair, Igor Jesus, John, and Cuiabano to Forest; Danilo to Botafogo.
- Total value: Over R$860 million in two years among Botafogo, Lyon, and Forest.
- Market strategy: Focus on young players with high resale potential in Europe.
- Club network: Potential integration of Botafogo into Marinakis’ group.
The “friendly” business model has sparked debate among fans, with some praising the financial management and others questioning the departure of promising players.
Boost for squad and fans
Cuiabano’s return was met with excitement from Botafogo fans, who flooded social media with support. His connection to the club, expressed in his “not a goodbye, just an until soon” farewell, resonated deeply. Fans see his return as a chance to maintain competitiveness in a challenging year, with Botafogo vying for the Brasileirão title and advancing in the Copa do Brasil.
On the pitch, Cuiabano’s presence eases concerns about the left-back position, strained by the lack of options. The failed pursuit of Erik from Al Ain underscored the importance of his return. Coach Ancelotti plans to field Cuiabano soon, leveraging his familiarity with the team’s tactics.
Botafogo’s next steps
With Cuiabano back, Botafogo aims to maintain its momentum. As reigning Libertadores and Brasileirão champions, the club seeks to stay atop the league. The left-back’s reintegration will be closely monitored, with expectations of his return to the pitch post-recovery.
Textor’s management remains active in the market. After losing Jair, Igor Jesus, and John, the club plans new signings for 2026, targeting young talents for European valorization. The Marinakis partnership, already fruitful, could lead to more deals.
- Brasileirão goal: Stay in first and chase the back-to-back title.
- Transfer targets: Botafogo eyes young players for 2026.
- Cuiabano’s injury: Player nearing full recovery for return to action.
- Strategic planning: Textor balances finances and competitiveness.
Cuiabano’s return bolsters Botafogo’s ambitions, while the Nottingham partnership signals a promising future in the global market.
Transfer window spotlight
The 2025 transfer window was among Botafogo’s busiest, with significant departures and strategic signings. Beyond Nottingham deals, the club sold players like Thiago Almada and Luiz Henrique, nearing R$1 billion in revenue. These moves reflect Textor’s strategy to keep the club financially sound amid legal disputes with Eagle Football.
Cuiabano’s loan, though specific, shows Botafogo’s flexibility in addressing immediate needs. The decision also counters fan criticism over selling beloved players. With the window closed, the focus shifts to maximizing the current squad’s performance.
Future of the Marinakis partnership
The Textor-Marinakis relationship extends beyond player trades. Talks are underway to potentially integrate Botafogo into Marinakis’ club network, including Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave. This could position Botafogo as a South American talent hub with direct European market access.
Marinakis, who has explored investments in Brazilian football, sees Botafogo as a strategic partner. His financial support to Textor, particularly in the Eagle dispute, strengthens their trust. For Botafogo, the partnership could enhance global visibility and resources for youth development.
- Marinakis’ network: Nottingham, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave as talent destinations.
- Brazilian investment: Marinakis has negotiated with São Paulo and Vasco previously.
- Legal dispute: Textor seeks to separate Botafogo from Eagle with Marinakis’ backing.
- Long-term benefits: Increased player flow and revenue from future sales.
Botafogo’s future under Textor, with Marinakis’ support, looks bright but hinges on balancing sporting and financial goals.
