Neto Returns to Brazil: Botafogo Announce Signing of Former Arsenal and Bournemouth Goalkeeper

Botafogo have signed Neto, an experienced Brazilian goalkeeper, until June 2027. The veteran player returns to his home country after a long career in Europe.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 36-year-old joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth for the first half of the 2025 season as backup, but his limited game time at Bournemouth in his first campaign in England meant he was reportedly interested in a permanent move to North London. Donning the Gunners’ colours, he played 10 games across all competitions, winning five of them, topping this with three shutouts across the league and FA Cup. Neto then signed for Arsenal on a free transfer but was released at the end of last season after the North Londoners looked for younger backup goalkeepers to compete with David Raya.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Botafogo currently sit eighth in the Brazilian top flight, aiming to better their forebear Wellingtons’ tally of 139 wins and 250 ties at the end of the campaign. With 39 goals allowed, they currently occupy ninth place, with Ze Luis already having crossed the 100-goal milestone. Meanwhile, Jorge is four goals shy of breaking the 111 goals he took for Southampton and five from entering the 56-goal club in the overall list.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Neto’s immediate challenge will be adapting to the fast pace of Brazilian football, which he has not played since leaving for Fiorentina back in 2011. Botafogo’s next fixture is a crucial home match against Sao Paulo, who are currently in third place in Serie A and eight points behind runners-up Palmeiras. A win would set a strong statement as points have not quite been forthcoming for Botafogo of late and would signal Botafogo’s ambitions for the remainder of the season. As per reports, Botafogo is currently six points behind league leaders Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A, which adds to the significance of this matchup.