Veteran Midfielder Nenê Continues to Shine for Botafogo-PB
Nenê will turn 45 next Sunday (19), the day the FIFA World Cup concludes.
The “everlasting” midfielder continues to prove his enduring quality on the pitch.
Following a brief stint working as a reporter for CazéTV in the United States, he returned to Botafogo da Paraíba on Sunday (12) with a standout performance. He played a key role in the opening goal and helped set up the second during a 2-0 victory over Confiança.
He started the match for Belo and, even in the 32nd minute of the second half, outpaced an opponent in a sprint before assisting Kayon.
The Red Star Black-and-Whites currently sit in sixth place in Série C and remain on track to qualify for the second phase.
With six goals to his name, Nenê ranks among the top scorers in Série C. He also leads the league in goal involvements, contributing four assists. He previously played a vital role in helping Belo secure this year’s Paraíba State Championship title.
He impressed in training with Brazil and France
His man-of-the-match performance against Confiança followed a week in which he drew attention during a France training session in the United States.
Nenê attended the session hoping to reconnect with former PSG teammate Rabiot and Maignan, who emerged from the club’s youth ranks.
He spoke with both players and became a topic of conversation while interacting with Kylian Mbappé and Didier Deschamps.
Both were surprised to learn that Nenê is still competing professionally. Players like Olise even waited for their turn to greet the veteran midfielder.
Nenê enjoyed a successful tenure at PSG between 2010 and 2012. He remains the last Brazilian to finish a season as Ligue 1’s top scorer (2011/12) and was part of the squad that captured the 2012/13 league title.
He previously served as a focal point while participating in coverage of a Brazil national team training session.
He even received an invitation from Carlo Ancelotti to join the squad and complete the training session.
Suspension marks his only absence for Belo
Nenê’s participation in CazéTV’s World Cup coverage had been scheduled prior to him signing with Botafogo. Initially, the attacking midfielder served as a studio commentator.
Throughout this period, he continued to play for his club without interruption.
He made his broadcasting debut on June 13. Two days later, he traveled to Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, to face Ypiranga.
His schedule continued with matches against Volta Redonda on June 20 and Brusque on June 30, both held in João Pessoa.
He missed only the match against Anápolis on the 5th due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
He returned to the lineup against Confiança and once again made a decisive impact.
To date, he has appeared in 11 of Botafogo’s 14 Série C matches.