Fortaleza Esporte Clube has confirmed the signing of left-back Diogo Barbosa from Fluminense, marking a significant addition to their roster as they prepare for the highly competitive 2025 season. The experienced player has signed with the club until December 31, 2026, with the option for renewal for another year.
The announcement was made just after the conclusion of negotiations, which were suggested to be facilitated by the recent sale of another player from Fortaleza to Fluminense. The deal was noted to be executed without any transfer costs, allowing Barbosa to transition smoothly to his new club.
At 32 years of age, Barbosa brings a wealth of experience to the Leão do Pici. He has played for several prominent clubs throughout his career, including Palmeiras, Grêmio, and Cruzeiro, accumulating several key titles, including two Copa Libertadores championships. Barbosa’s impressive track record caught the attention of Fortaleza's head coach, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who had previously expressed interest in acquiring him, particularly due to the player's technical abilities and intensity on the field.
Marcelo Paz, CEO of Fortaleza EC SAF, elaborated on Barbosa's impact, stating, "Um lateral de muita intensidade, com uma carreira marcada por grandes clubes e conquistas. Foi uma indicação direta do Vojvoda, que já havia observado suas qualidades técnicas... Estamos felizes com sua chegada, e ele vem muito motivado para contribuir com nossos projetos futuros." This emphatic endorsement reflects the strategic role Barbosa is expected to play within the squad.
Having recently finished his tenure with Fluminense, Barbosa shared his gratitude on social media, thanking the club for the growth and opportunities he experienced during his time there. He expressed, "Obrigado, Fluminense! Muita gratidão ao clube que abriu as portas, me recebeu tão bem, confiou no meu trabalho... na memória e no coração, os títulos da Libertadores e da Recopa ficam marcados!" His heartfelt message signifies the personal connections he made and the successes he achieved as part of the Tricolor carioca.
During his time with Fluminense, Barbosa played 68 matches, contributed one goal, and provided three assists, helping the team secure notable victories, including winning the Copa Libertadores and the Recopa Sul-Americana. These accomplishments have been integral to his career and add to the accolades he brings to Fortaleza.
Fortaleza's management sees Barbosa as not just another player, but as key to their aspirations for 2025, where they will compete across five tournaments, including the Campeonato Cearense, Copa do Nordeste, Copa do Brasil, Brasileirão, and the Libertadores. The club's aggressive strategies during the transfer window indicate their commitment to enhancing their squad quality as they aim for success on multiple fronts.
The team is also set to begin its pre-season training on January 8, featuring the Orlando Cup Pro Series tournament shortly thereafter, where they will compete against other teams, including Santos and Miami United, providing Barbosa with the opportunity to integrate with his new teammates swiftly.
Barbosa’s signing is excited not just for his ability but for the depth he brings to the left-back position, providing competition against current players like Bruno Pacheco and Eros Mancuso, who has been filling the left-back role.
With such ambitions and significant investments underway, the addition of Diogo Barbosa is seen as another step toward establishing Fortaleza as a formidable force within Brazilian football. His move from Fluminense not only emphasizes the strategic partnerships created between clubs but also marks the beginning of what could be another successful chapter in Barbosa's illustrious career.
