Vitinho, a Botafogo native, is a skilled and versatile winger/midfielder who has built a career marked by ups and downs, while always maintaining a technical and creative profile. He rose to prominence in 2012 for the Rio de Janeiro club, attracting attention with his precise finishing with both feet, excellent dribbling, and dangerous mid-range shots. His ability to play as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or even as a second striker made him a tactically valuable asset. After a successful season with Botafogo, he was sold to CSKA Moscow in Russia in 2013.
In Russia, despite some brilliant moments, Vitinho struggled to adapt to the cold, the culture, and the intense marking of local football. With fluctuating performance and few starting opportunities, he ended up being loaned to Internacional between 2015 and 2016. At Colorado, he rediscovered his best form: he participated in strong campaigns, scored important goals, and once again demonstrated the talent that had impressed many early in his career. After the loan ended, he returned to CSKA before being permanently traded to Flamengo in 2018.
At Flamengo, Vitinho enjoyed his longest and most successful professional career. Signed for a hefty sum (€10 million, the most expensive signing in Flamengo's history at the time) and with high expectations, he alternated between starting and playing as a reserve. Despite not being a key player, he was an important member of the squad that won the Copa Libertadores (2019 and 2022), Brasileirão (2019 and 2021), as well as participating in the Brazilian Super Cup (2020 and 2021), Recopa Sudamericana (2020), Carioca Championship (2019, 2020 and 2021), and other tournaments. His game reading, movement, and versatility pleased the coaches, although his inconsistency in several matches drew heavy criticism from fans due to missed goal oportunities in decisive moments, lack of concentration mid-games, a noticeable lack of intensity and desire on the field.
At the end of 2022, Vitinho was sold by Flamengo to Al-Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia, and while still in Saudi Arabia, he had a very brief loan spell with Al Shabab. Vitinho is currently without a club and is negotiating a possible return to Brazilian football. Despite his refined technique, excellent shooting from outside the box, and ability to play across the entire attacking sector, Vitinho was never called up to the Brazilian national team, earning only call-ups to the U-20 and U-23 squads. This reflects the ups and downs that marked his career. Still, he built a solid career with stints at big clubs, being remembered as a luxury supporting player in Flamengo's golden era, despite never being unanimous among fans.
Other Links:
Vitinho - Wikipedia Portuguese
Vitinho - Wikipedia English
Fox Sports commentator criticizes Vitinho for missed goals: "He gets desperate" | UOL Esporte | PortugueseVideos:TODOS OS 29 GOLS DE VITINHO PELO FLAMENGO
Adeus Vitinho, Um Talento ADORMECIDO no Flamengo!
Compilado de Gols perdidos pelo Vitinho no Flamengo
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