Botafogo players celebrate their historic trophy triumph on December 1, 2024. (source: Facebook - Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas)
In the spring of 2017, a relatively unknown Brazilian defensive midfielder named Marlon Freitas plied his trade in the Slovak second division with Šamorín, a small town on the southern tip of the country. In 16 competitive outings, he notched three goals—a modest contribution. Fast forward to today, and Freitas is one of the most respected figures on the South American football stage.
Now the captain of Botafogo Rio de Janeiro, Freitas etched his name into the club’s storied history last weekend, leading them to a historic Copa Libertadores triumph, writes Hospodárske noviny. The Libertadores, South America’s answer to the Champions League, represents the pinnacle of club football on the continent. For Botafogo, a club founded 123 years ago, this marked their crowning achievement.
Freitas and his teammates capped their stunning campaign with a 3-1 victory over Atlético Mineiro in an all-Brazilian final at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Mas Monumental. The former Šamorín man played the full 90 minutes, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in Botafogo’s success.
Brazilians in Šamorín
Interestingly, Freitas’ connection to Slovakia isn’t unique. Šamorín, back then, enjoyed a partnership with Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense, providing a platform for young Brazilian talents. Few, however, have climbed as high as Freitas, whose Libertadores win is a testament to the unlikely journey that began in Slovakia.
That victory also secures Botafogo a place at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup next year. For Freitas, who once squared off against ŠK Svätý Jur and MFK Zvolen, the prospect of facing Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Juventus is an extraordinary twist of fate.
In 2017, Freitas’ market value hovered around €100,000. His stint in Slovakia, however, gave him vital experience in senior football, setting the stage for a meteoric rise.
“Those Brazilian players just needed to adapt to men’s football,” says Matej Draško Marič-Bjekič, a Šamorín player. “Šamorín was the perfect stepping stone. If they played regularly, they returned to their parent clubs better players.”
For Marlon Freitas, that Slovak springboard has propelled him to the very top.
