Fortaleza sign Angola defender Bastos from Botafogo on a free transfer

Angola centre-back Bastos has joined Fortaleza from Botafogo on a free transfer, moving to the Serie B club after three years with the Brazilian top-flight side.

The 35-year-old completed the switch on 16 September 2026 and adds experience to Fortaleza’s defence. Bastos, who was born in Luanda, stands 1.84m tall and is right-footed.

He leaves Botafogo after helping the club win the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian championship during the 2023-24 period. He also won the Taca Rio with Botafogo in the same campaign.

Bastos made 17 appearances across five competitions in 2026. He played six times in Serie A, featured in four Copa Libertadores matches and appeared in the Copa do Brasil, Copa Sudamericana and Campeonato Carioca.

The defender joined Botafogo from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli on a free transfer in August 2023. Before that, he spent time with Al-Ain and Rostov, while his career in Europe included a spell at Lazio.

During his time in Italy, Bastos won the Italian Cup in 2018-19 and the Italian Super Cup twice. He also lifted the Russian Cup with Rostov in 2014 and was part of Al-Ahli’s Saudi Arabian second-tier title-winning side in 2022-23.

His move to Fortaleza marks a return to Brazil after a period in which he collected major honours with Botafogo. The club will compete in Serie B, while Bastos brings domestic and continental experience from his previous campaigns.

Bastos has now completed his free transfer from Botafogo to Fortaleza.