Boavista FC Squad 2024/25
Boavista FC, one of Portugal’s most storied football clubs, enters the 2024/25 season with a renewed sense of ambition. Known as the “Panthers,” the club has consistently punched above its weight in the Primeira Liga, blending youth development with shrewd signings to remain competitive. The 2024/25 squad reflects a careful balance of experience and emerging talent, with players from diverse backgrounds contributing to the team’s dynamic style of play. This season, Boavista aims to build on its recent successes, targeting a strong league finish and a deep run in domestic cup competitions. Below, we take an in-depth look at the squad, breaking it down by position and providing detailed profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
- Rafael Bracali
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Grêmio, Palmeiras, Braga, Nacional
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2020)
- Description: At 43 years old, Rafael Bracali remains a vital presence in Boavista’s squad. The Brazilian shot-stopper brings unparalleled experience and leadership to the team. Known for his reflexes and command of the penalty area, Bracali has been a reliable last line of defense for the Panthers. His journey from South America to Europe has seen him excel at clubs like Braga, where he won the Taça de Portugal. Despite his age, Bracali continues to defy expectations, mentoring younger goalkeepers while competing at the highest level.
- João Gonçalves
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Boavista Youth Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
- Description: João Gonçalves is a product of Boavista’s esteemed youth academy, embodying the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. The 22-year-old goalkeeper has steadily risen through the ranks, earning his place as Bracali’s understudy. Gonçalves is known for his agility and composure under pressure, traits that have made him a standout performer in youth and reserve teams. While still developing, his potential has already drawn interest from larger clubs, making him one to watch this season.
- César
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Fluminense, Vitória de Guimarães
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2023)
- Description: César joined Boavista in 2023, adding depth and competition to the goalkeeping department. The Brazilian brings a wealth of experience from his time in Brazil and Portugal, having previously played for Fluminense and Vitória de Guimarães. Standing at 1.90 meters, César is a commanding presence in the box, excelling in aerial duels and one-on-one situations. His distribution and ability to read the game make him a modern goalkeeper, perfectly suited to Boavista’s playing style.
Defenders
- Nathan Santos
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Santos FC
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
- Description: Nathan Santos is a dynamic right-back who joined Boavista from Santos FC in 2023. The 21-year-old Brazilian is known for his blistering pace and attacking prowess, often overlapping to support the wingers. Defensively, Nathan is tenacious in tackles and has shown maturity beyond his years. His performances have already made him a fan favorite, and he is widely regarded as one of the most promising full-backs in the Primeira Liga.
- Rodrigo Abascal
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Former Clubs: Defensor Sporting, Nacional
- Transfer Fee: €750,000 (2022)
- Description: A no-nonsense center-back, Rodrigo Abascal has been a rock at the heart of Boavista’s defense since his arrival in 2022. The Uruguayan defender is known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game. Abascal’s leadership qualities have seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions, and his experience in South American and European football has been invaluable. At 28, he is in his prime and remains a key figure for the Panthers.
- Chidozie Awaziem
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Former Clubs: Porto, Nantes, Hajduk Split
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2021, loan made permanent in 2022)
- Description: Chidozie Awaziem is a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back. The Nigerian international joined Boavista on loan from Porto in 2021, with the move becoming permanent the following year. Awaziem’s athleticism, strength, and tactical awareness make him a formidable opponent for any attacker. His experience in top European leagues and international competitions adds depth and quality to Boavista’s backline.
- Yanis Hamache
- Nationality: French-Algerian
- Former Clubs: Nice, Dijon
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2021)
- Description: Yanis Hamache is an attacking left-back who has been a consistent performer for Boavista since joining in 2021. The French-Algerian defender is known for his technical ability, crossing, and set-piece delivery. Hamache’s defensive work rate has improved significantly, making him a well-rounded full-back. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him an integral part of the team.
- Gustavo Sauer
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Flamengo, Botafogo
- Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2022)
- Description: Gustavo Sauer is a versatile defender who can play as a center-back or defensive midfielder. The Brazilian joined Boavista in 2022, bringing physicality and tactical intelligence to the squad. Sauer’s ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively has made him a valuable asset. His experience in Brazilian football has also added a layer of grit and determination to the team.
Midfielders
- Sebastián Pérez
- Nationality: Colombian
- Former Clubs: Atlético Nacional, Boca Juniors
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
- Description: Sebastián Pérez is a creative midfielder who joined Boavista in 2023. The Colombian international is known for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Pérez’s experience in South America and Europe has made him a key player in Boavista’s midfield. His leadership and technical skills have been instrumental in the team’s attacking play.
- Gaius Makouta
- Nationality: Central African
- Former Clubs: Paris FC, Le Mans
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
- Description: Gaius Makouta is a box-to-box midfielder who joined Boavista in 2022. The Central African international is known for his energy, tackling, and ability to drive forward with the ball. Makouta’s work rate and versatility have made him a fan favorite, and his contributions in both defense and attack have been crucial for the team.
- Reisinho
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Braga, Moreirense
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2021)
- Description: Reisinho is a technically gifted midfielder who joined Boavista in 2021. The Portuguese playmaker is known for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses with precise passes. Reisinho’s experience in the Primeira Liga has been invaluable, and his flair and vision have made him a key player in Boavista’s midfield.
- Ilija Vukotić
- Nationality: Montenegrin
- Former Clubs: Budućnost Podgorica, Mladá Boleslav
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2023)
- Description: Ilija Vukotić is a defensive midfielder who joined Boavista in 2023. The Montenegrin international is known for his tackling, positioning, and ability to shield the defense. Vukotić’s physicality and tactical awareness have made him a vital cog in Boavista’s midfield, providing balance and stability to the team.
Forwards
- Yusupha Njie
- Nationality: Gambian
- Former Clubs: Casa Sports, Boavista Youth Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
- Description: Yusupha Njie is a dynamic forward who has risen through Boavista’s youth ranks. The Gambian international is known for his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability. Njie’s versatility allows him to play as a winger or center-forward, making him a valuable asset for the team. His development has been a testament to Boavista’s commitment to youth development.
- Tiago Morais
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Former Clubs: Boavista Youth Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
- Description: Tiago Morais is a promising young forward who has emerged from Boavista’s youth system. The 20-year-old is known for his technical ability, creativity, and eye for goal. Morais’s performances in the youth teams have earned him a place in the senior squad, and he is widely regarded as one of the club’s brightest prospects.
- Robert Bozenik
- Nationality: Slovakian
- Former Clubs: Žilina, Feyenoord
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2022)
- Description: Robert Bozenik is a clinical striker who joined Boavista in 2022. The Slovakian international is known for his positioning, finishing, and ability to hold up the ball. Bozenik’s experience in top European leagues has made him a key player for Boavista, and his goals have been crucial to the team’s success.
- Kenji Gorré
- Nationality: Dutch-Curaçaoan
- Former Clubs: Swansea City, ADO Den Haag
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2021)
- Description: Kenji Gorré is a versatile forward who joined Boavista in 2021. The Dutch-Curaçaoan winger is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances. Gorré’s experience in European football has been invaluable, and his contributions in the final third have made him a key player for the Panthers.
Conclusion
Boavista FC’s 2024/25 squad is a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talent, reflecting the club’s commitment to sustainable growth and competitiveness. With a strong core of players in every position, the Panthers are well-equipped to challenge for a top-half finish in the Primeira Liga and make a mark in domestic cup competitions. The mix of homegrown talent and shrewd signings from across the globe underscores Boavista’s ability to adapt and thrive in modern football. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and a team that embodies the spirit and resilience of the club.