Rio de Janeiro – Caio Roque, a 24-year-old Brazilian left-back, is poised to make his debut for Botafogo this Sunday against Athletico-PR, marking a fresh start for the player after a winding career path. Roque joined the club on loan from Portuguesa, and his arrival adds depth to a Botafogo defense that already includes Alex Telles and Marçal.
The opportunity to play for Botafogo holds special significance for Roque, a native of Rio de Janeiro. “When I found out about the possibility of coming to Botafogo, I was very happy, due to the fact that I am carioca,” Roque said in a video released by (FogãoNET). “When I told my family, they were likewise very happy, my friends too. The Botafogo fans can expect a lot of desire and dedication on the field. It’s a big club that is always fighting for titles, so that’s why I accepted this challenge. Tamo junto!”
Roque’s journey to Botafogo has been anything but conventional. He began his youth career with Flamengo, joining their academy at the age of 13, and even renewed his contract with the club in 2020, reportedly including a €70 million release clause, according to (Wikipedia). However, before making a first-team appearance for Flamengo, he was sold to the City Football Group in August 2020, joining Lommel in Belgium on a five-year contract.
During his time with Lommel, Roque gradually established himself as a regular starter. He made his professional debut on April 24, 2021, coming on as a substitute in a 3-1 loss to RFC Seraing. He scored his first goal for the club on September 15, 2021, netting the equalizer in a 4-2 Belgian Cup win over Diegem Sport. A knee injury in December 2022 hampered his progress, as noted by (Wikipedia).
Following his stint in Belgium, Roque returned to Brazil, playing for Bahia in 2023 and 2024, with loan spells at Londrina and Volta Redonda in between. He most recently played for Portuguesa in the Campeonato Paulista, where his performances caught the eye of Botafogo officials. The loan deal with Botafogo is set to last until the end of 2026.
The arrival of Caio Roque provides Botafogo coach Tiago Nunes with another option at left-back. With Alex Telles and Marçal already in the squad, competition for playing time will be fierce. The presence of younger players like Gabriel Abdias and Jhoan Hernández also adds depth to the position. This competition is likely to be a positive for the team, pushing each player to perform at their best.
Sunday’s match against Athletico-PR, a rescheduled fixture from the 5th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, represents a significant opportunity for Roque to make a strong first impression. The game will be played at the Estádio Nilton Santos, commonly known as the Engenhão, in Rio de Janeiro. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM BRT (10:00 PM UTC). Fans eager to watch the match can find broadcast information on the Botafogo official website.
Caio Roque’s versatility and experience, despite his relatively young age, could prove invaluable to Botafogo as they continue their campaign in the Campeonato Brasileiro. His eagerness to contribute, combined with his local roots, suggests he is fully committed to making a positive impact on the club. The Botafogo faithful will be hoping to see him quickly integrate into the team and become a key player in their pursuit of silverware.
Botafogo will be looking to build on their recent form as they face Athletico-PR. The team is currently navigating a challenging schedule, and the addition of Roque provides a welcome boost to the squad. The match on Sunday will be a crucial test for Botafogo, and fans will be eager to see how the team performs with their new addition.
Next up for Botafogo after Sunday’s match is a home game against Cruzeiro on April 6th. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and information about the club through the official Botafogo website and social media channels.
