Alexander Barboza Branded a Traitor by Botafogo Fans as Joaquín Freitas Takes a Studs-Up Welcome at Flamengo Debut

Alexander Barboza’s return to Botafogo could hardly have been less welcoming. The Palmeiras defender was branded a traitor by supporters, then sent off late in a 0-0 draw that also saw him leave the field to a storm of whistles.

Barboza had played for Botafogo for two and a half years before leaving in July for Palmeiras. He had been part of the club’s greatest achievement, the 2024 Copa Libertadores title, but fans did not forgive his decision to join a powerful rival. His return to the Nilton Santos stadium brought hostility from the moment he arrived.

Supporters waiting near the stadium corridors filmed him and sang a song also aimed at Marlon Freitas, who made a similar move earlier in the year. “You paid back the one who always lent you a hand with betrayal,” they sang as the players passed through at different times. Barboza later encountered a mixture of applause and obscene gestures when he inspected the pitch before the match.

The tension continued during the game. Barboza received a yellow card in the first half and committed further fouls before an elbow in the third minute of stoppage time brought his dismissal. He will miss the clásico against São Paulo.

Earlier, at Remo’s stadium, Joaquín Freitas made his Flamengo debut after River Plate’s reported $15 million sale. Coach Leonardo Jardim brought him on for Pedro with 15 minutes remaining in Flamengo’s 1-0 away victory. Freitas did not start, but he still received a harsh introduction to Brazilian football, just as Barboza had at Botafogo.

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You paid back the one who always lent you a hand with betrayal.