How Botafogo supports its 12 foreign players

How does Botafogo help foreign players settle in Rio?

Botafogo has built a structured support system for its growing roster of international players. At the centre of it is Mayara Bordin, the club's liaison — a role borrowed from the French word for "connection." She handles everything from a player's very first contact with the club through to finding housing, enrolling children in school, and arranging language courses.

Who are the foreign players at Botafogo right now?

The squad currently includes 12 foreign players: Montoro, Medina and Joaquín Correa (Argentina); Santi Rodríguez, Villalba and Mateo Ponte (Uruguay); Lucas Monzón (Uruguay, new signing); Barrera (Colombia); Ferraresi (Venezuela); Kadir (Panama); and Domingos Andrade and Bastos (Angola). Correa and Bastos are reportedly outside coach Franclim Carvalho's plans.

How do teammates make the transition easier?

Midfielder Medina, who left Argentina for the first time to join Botafogo, told Globo Esporte that having so many Spanish-speaking teammates made his adaptation far smoother. "There are a lot of foreigners. That really helps. You adapt more easily to the group and to the language," he said. He also mentioned Colombian midfielder Barrera (Jordan) and former squad member Chris Ramos, a Spanish attacker who moved on loan to Real Oviedo.

What role do Brazilian leaders play?

Montoro highlighted the importance of experienced Brazilian players in welcoming newcomers. He specifically named Alex Telles and Marçal as key references for arriving foreigners — veterans who help bridge the cultural gap and make the dressing room feel like home faster.