Brazilian defender is a hero in the classic and a key player in the historic classification

The Brazilian defender Chico lived a special season in Israeli football. Ex-Sportthe defender was one of the highlights of the Hapoel Tel Aviv in the campaign that ensured the club's return to European competition after a 12-year absence. The team secured a place in the next edition of Conference League and, in his first year at the club, the player celebrated the historic feat and highlighted the importance of the achievement for the fans.

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— First season at the club, first year defending this shirt. I believe it was a special year, with good and not so good moments, but we stood firm. We had some goals, and that was one of them. THE Hapoel Tel Aviv always enters to reach the top of the championship. One of the objectives was to take the club back to European competition. These were years in which fans waited a long time to see the club back in this scenario. Thank God we achieved this,” he said. Chicowho recorded consistent numbers in his debut, totaling 35 games and two goals scored in the season.

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In addition to the continental classification, Chico also participated in another remarkable moment: the victory in the classic against Maccabi Tel Aviv for the Israeli Championship, a result that had not happened in 11 years. The defender was even the scorer of the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory. Quickly adapting to the new country, the defender highlighted family support as a fundamental part of his good performance on the field.

— Thank God I adapted to everything as quickly as possible. I had great support from my wife and all the difficulties we faced in a new country, with a new language, we went through together, and that made me feel lighter. She has a big part in this. I don't want to stop here. Every season I want to evolve more and get even more up to speed with the league. We have many seasons ahead of us to improve every day — said the athlete.

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Since August 2025 no Hapoel Tel Avivo Israeli club exercised, in February, the option to purchase the player's federative rights from the Sport. O defender signed a definitive contract with the Tel Aviv until 2029, consolidating its trajectory abroad.

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