Gatito Fernández, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, is set for a fresh start as he leaves Botafogo after eight influential seasons to return to Cerro Porteño, the club where he began his professional career. This announcement came during the early hours of December 25, 2024, just in time for the holiday season.
The decision to transfer was not taken lightly, as Gatito had become synonymous with Botafogo, being the player with the most appearances for the club among foreigners—complete with 218 matches under his belt. His tenure with the Alvinegro was marked by significant achievements, as he played pivotal roles in the team's triumphs, including the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores, both secured in 2024, alongside earlier victories such as the Campeonato Carioca in 2018 and the Série B title in 2021.
Expressing excitement about his return, Cerro Porteño welcomed Gatito with open arms, proclaiming on social media, "Gatito Fernández vuelve para casa" (Gatito Fernández returns home). This statement encapsulates the emotional connection the player has with his former club, which he left eight years ago to carve out his path within Brazilian football.
Gatito’s path from Cerro Porteño to the international stage began when he made his debut for the Paraguayan side back in 2009. After periods with Vitória and Figueirense, he joined Botafogo in 2017, making his mark as both a reliable goalkeeper and fan favorite.
Despite his achievements and fan support at Botafogo, the decision to move came down to the desire for more playing time. Following the arrival of John, who had taken over as the starting goalkeeper, there were concerns about Gatito's role going forward. Discussions about contract renewal took place, yet they failed to yield any agreement, prompting Gatito to entertain offers from other clubs.
Before the transfer was finalized, there had been interest from Cerro Porteño for some time, with indications of a financial arrangement to facilitate his return. Reports suggest his monthly salary at Botafogo was approximately R$ 450,000, and negotiations included financial support from fans who wished to see him back at the club. His contract with Botafogo officially concludes on December 31, 2024, allowing for his immediate availability to rejoin Cerro Porteño.
The response to Gatito’s departure from Botafogo has been mixed. While supporters of Cerro Porteño celebrate the signing, many Botafogo fans expressed sorrow on social media, lamenting the end of what they considered "a beautiful era." One user reflected the sentiment of many with the comment, "Acabaram com meu Natal" (They’ve ruined my Christmas), highlighting the emotional impact of his exit.
His departure marks yet another shift within the Brazilian football transfer market, which remains dynamic and unpredictable. Gatito's move also signifies the continuation of his international career, as he aims to solidify his position as the starting goalkeeper for the Paraguayan national team, especially with the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Looking back, Gatito leaves behind not only memorable performances but also numerous accolades which he proudly brought to the Botafogo legacy. His presence was felt with historical stops as part of the club's storied history, and his contributions will likely echo within the center of Botafogo for years to come.
Now, returning to Cerro Porteño, Gatito embarks on what can only be seen as another thrilling chapter of his footballing career, forging new memories at the club where he honed his skills. Expectations will be high, both from the management and the fervent fanbase, as they hope to see their beloved goalkeeper reclaim his previous form and leadership on the field.
