Former Vitória striker announced by ‘Esquadrão de Aço’ for 2025

Former Vitória player Mateus Gonçalves had his signing announced by Athletic-MG this Monday (29) for the dispute in Series B of the Brazilian Championship in 2025. This year, the striker was Baiano Champion for Leão, scoring two goals in the first leg of the competition finals.

The curiosity is due to the nickname of the former Vitória player’s new home. Athletic is called the “Steel Squad”, a nickname also shared by Bahia, Leão’s rival. Born in Belo Horizonte, this will be the second time that Mateus Gonçalves will be able to play for a club in the state where he was born. Previously, he defended América-MG in 2023.

Mateus Gonçalves arrived at Vitória in 2023 and was part of the campaign that ended with the second division title. There were 40 complete matches for the striker with the red-black shirt. During his two years in Salvador, the player scored three goals and contributed five assists during his time at Toca do Leão.

With Carpini’s arrival at the Bahian club, he lost space and was loaned to Goiás. The “pastor”, as he was affectionately nicknamed by the fans, left the Goiás team after being removed due to indiscipline. The club did not confirm the reason, but the player admitted that he was present at a party in Pirenópolis while he was away due to an alleged virus. The attacker’s statement took place in an interview with the Identidade Esmeraldina podcast.

In addition to Goiás and Vitória, Mateus Gonçalves has already worn the shirts of América-MG, Ceará, Fluminense, Sport and Cerro Porteño (Paraguay). In addition to these teams, the striker had experience in Mexican clubs, such as Tijuana, Toluca, Chiapas, Pachuca and Deportivo Tepic.

“Goiás Esporte Clube informs that, due to the act of indiscipline committed by Athlete Mateus Gonçalves Martins on September 6, 2024, a disciplinary suspension was applied for 10 days, and from then on, there were several attempts to reach an agreement, the which remained unsuccessful.

On 09/24/24, with the parties reaching a consensus, the agreed agreement documents were generated, however, the Club remained waiting for the athlete’s signature for 10 days, which did not occur.

Given the absence of the athlete to fulfill the contract and delay in signing the agreement, last Thursday 10/3, the Club notified the athlete to attend work, and on Friday 10/04, there was a new proposed agreement by the Club, which was rejected by the athlete.

Thus, without being successful in terminating it by mutual agreement, despite so many attempts, which were frustrated by the athlete’s delay, the employment contract was terminated on this date unilaterally at the initiative of the employer.”