Football Season Guide

Cruzeiro had a poor season in 2024, finishing in 9th in league and losing Campeonato Mineiro to their arch-rivals Atlético MG, like in all recent years. 'Raposa' came close to silverware by reaching Copa Sul-Americana final, but they've lost to Racing. New chairman Pedrinho made a huge investment in the middle of the season, bringing some heavyweight names, but it's impact is expected to be happening more in 2025, especially since new big names were signed in the meantime. Gaffer Fernando Diniz wasn't able to implement his peculiar football style in Cruzeiro. After a difficult start in the final weeks of 2024, he continued underperforming this year. Cruzeiro brought the Portuguese Leonardo Jardim, a high-profile name that is expected to do much with the good squad he was given. The irascible chairman will need to be patient on him, though. Cruzeiro had signed with Matheus Henrique, Kaio Jorge and Lautaro Diaz in August, in 2024. To add to this big names, Cruzeiro brought no less than Gabigol, Dudu, Fabrício Bruno and Marquinhos, among others. The expectations are high after such big names arriving for the new season. There hasn't been much damage on the departure section either, with just Gabriel Véron as a relatively significant name leaving. Otherwise, Cássio remains the safe-hands-man in goal, despite his 37-years old. Fabrício Bruno and Fágner will add experience and quality to the back, that already counts with important names like William Furtado or João Marcelo. In midfield, Carlos Eduardo and Christian are very interesting new arrivals, but the trio should remain made of Walace or Romero as anchorman, Matheus Henrique as the dynamo and the star creative Matheus Pereira as the link to attack. Up front, a plethora of options. Gabigol and Dud are the biggest names, trying to revive their best years with Flamengo and Palmeiras respetively. Kaio Jorge is also a big name for the striker position. Wingers Wanderson, Lautaro Diaz, Bolasie and Marquinhos will be luxury reserve players that could be reference starters in most Série A teams.