Palmeiras Signs Alexander Barboza From Botafogo for $4 Million

Overview

• Palmeiras announced the signing of 31-year-old centre-back Alexander Barboza on Friday, May 22, 2026, with a contract running through December 2028.
• Botafogo accepted a $4 million offer to avoid losing Barboza for free when his contract expires at year-end and to raise cash to pay player salaries.
• Barboza said he was surprised by the midseason sale, confirmed renewal talks had stalled, and said he accepted the move to help his teammates and the club.
• Barboza will not be eligible to play for Palmeiras until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the transfer window and player registrations reopen.
• Sportingly, Palmeiras adds an experienced, title-winning defender who will compete with Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Bruno Fuchs and Benedetti for a starting spot and who leaves Botafogo with 123 appearances and the 2024 Brasileirão and Libertadores titles.