Vasco da Gama is aiming for revitalization as the Brazilian football club has secured the signing of Angolan striker Loide Augusto, who is viewed as a key addition to their squad for the 2025 season. The signing marks another strategic move by the club’s management to build a competitive team after ending the recent Brasileirão with ambitions to perform at higher levels.
Loide Augusto, 25, arrived at Rio de Janeiro on February 27, 2025, seeking to bolster Vasco’s lineup as they eye upcoming challenges. Immediate expectations are high, especially with the fierce clash against rivals Flamengo right around the corner on March 3, 2025. Upon disembarking, he expressed his eagerness, stating, “I’m happy. I’ll do the exams and handle some documentation. If I can play on Saturday, I’m ready… Everyone knows the pressure of playing for Vasco. That’s why I play football,” displaying his readiness to embrace the intensity of playing for the club.
This transfer, which involves Vasco paying 1.5 million euros (approximately R$ 8.5 million), may potentially rise to 2.5 million euros (around R$ 14.2 million) owing to performance-related metrics stipulated within the contract. Loide is lined up to wear the number 45 jersey for his new team and indicated he was prepared to contribute immediately, though he may not fully integrate due to time constraints before the highly anticipated match.
The club, which has not seen glory since winning the Carioca trophy back in 2016, has been under mounting pressure from fans and the broader football community to reform its roster effectively. Coach Fábio Carille, who recently took the helm, faces considerable skepticism about the tactical direction of the team. Nevertheless, the club has already invested about R$ 43.5 million during this transfer window, with hopes to increase their expenditure to R$ 55 million depending on achievement bonuses for new recruits.
Loide’s path to this point began back home in Luanda, where he started playing football at local schools before heading to Portugal at age 18. He developed professionally through the Sporting club, advancing through the youth categories until he made it to the B team. Subsequently, he played for Mafra, also in Portugal, before moving to Turkey’s Alanyaspor. There, he featured prominently, stepping onto the field for 48 appearances, scoring five goals and providing six assists across his time there.
This track record caught the attention of Angola’s national team coaches, leading to Loide earning his first international cap at 21 during the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations. He has since accumulated seven official appearances, reflecting his growing prominence on both the club and international stages.
The arrival of Loide Augusto is seen as instrumental for Vasco, especially as they prepare for the impending classic against Flamengo—the match slated for Saturday, March 3, at 5:45 PM at the Nilton Santos Stadium. With his commitment and fervor to represent the club, he embodies the spirit the Vasco supporters expect and desire, marking not only season aspirations but also long-term hopes for the club to regain its footing within the Brazilian football hierarchy.
Vasco da Gama remains determined to turn the tide of recent performances, and Loide Augusto’s potential impact could be just what they need to shift momentum and start seeing success again on the pitch. The excitement around his signing reflects optimism among the fan base and enough motivation for the team as they look to conquer both the upcoming match and the season as it progresses.