Arthur Cabral is one of those names that echoes across Brazilian and European pitches—a powerful center-forward with a deadly goal-scoring instinct who, at 27 years old, already carries an impressive record of triumphs and challenges. Born in the heat of Paraíba, he forged a path from Ceará’s youth academy to the bright lights of the Champions League, passing through Switzerland, Italy, and Portugal. Today, back in Brazil wearing the Botafogo jersey, Cabral is living a moment of redemption and high expectations. In 2025, his transfer to the Glorioso not only marked a return to his roots but also the start of a new chapter in pursuit of continental titles. Let’s dive into the journey of this fearless Paraíbano, who turns defenses into opportunities and dreams into reality.
Humble Beginnings: From Campina Grande to Professional Dreams
It all began in Campina Grande, a city famous for the world’s largest São João festival, but for Arthur Mendonça Cabral, born on April 25, 1998, it held a very different destiny: football. The son of a modest family, Cabral grew up kicking a ball on the dusty streets of Northeast Brazil, where the sport is more than passion—it’s escape and hope. At 16, in 2014, he passed trials at Ceará Sporting Club in Fortaleza. At Vozão, the 1.86m-tall teenager found not just a club, but a school of life.
His senior debut came on July 22, 2015, at age 17, in a Copa do Brasil match. Still raw, Cabral showed instinct: he scored his first professional goal shortly after, against ASA de Arapiraca. In the 2017 season, he was a key piece in the campaign that lifted Ceará back to Série B, scoring four goals in 16 games. Those years in the Northeast shaped his style: a classic target man, strong in the air, dominant in the box, and with a finishing touch reminiscent of Brazil’s great number 9s. But Ceará was too small for the talent that was emerging. In 2019, the chance to step up arrived: a transfer to Palmeiras for around R$3 million.
At Allianz Parque, however, things didn’t go as planned. Facing stiff competition from strikers like Deyverson and Borja, Cabral saw limited minutes—just 12 games and one goal. Frustrated but determined, he accepted a loan move to Europe. It was the kick-start to a career that would explode overseas.
Breakthrough in Europe: Basel, Fiorentina, and the Portuguese Challenge
Arthur Cabral’s European adventure began in Switzerland with FC Basel in September 2019. Arriving on loan, he stepped into St. Jakob-Park determined to prove his worth—and prove it he did! Under Marcel Koller, Cabral debuted in the Swiss Cup with a 3-0 win and scored his first league goal against Zürich in a convincing 4-0 victory. Adaptation was swift: the Swiss league’s intense rhythm and tactical focus perfectly matched his intelligence on the pitch.
In June 2020, Basel made the transfer permanent for €6.5 million. That’s when Cabral became a star. In the 2021-22 season, he exploded with 34 goals in 46 matches, including a poker (four goals) against Servette. His highlight? An acrobatic volley that went viral, voted one of the most beautiful goals in the Super League. Coaches like Patrick Rahmen praised his growth: “Arthur learned to read the game, vary his runs, and defend like the whole team.” At 1.86m, he dominated aerial balls, held up play as a target man, and finished with surgical precision—a modern poacher with the soul of a classic striker.
His rise caught Italy’s attention. In August 2022, Fiorentina paid €15 million for the Brazilian. At the Artemio Franchi under Vincenzo Italiano, Cabral contributed to the Conference League campaign, scoring in the final against Basel—ironic fate against his former club. He netted 20 goals in 52 appearances for La Viola, but Serie A is unforgiving, and injuries plus competition limited his full shine. Still, he showed versatility, playing as a second striker alongside Arthur (the Belgian) and Ikoné.
In August 2023, a new chapter: Benfica, for €20 million plus bonuses. At the Estádio da Luz, Cabral arrived as Roger Schmidt’s goal-scoring reinforcement. He debuted with a goal in the Taça da Liga and, in the Primeira Liga, scored a spectacular bicycle kick against Estrela da Amadora in January 2024—another masterpiece for the highlight reel. In the Champions League, he scored twice in 10 games, including against Salzburg. Across two seasons, he recorded 18 goals and 5 assists in 77 matches. At Benfica, however, he was more often a super-sub than a guaranteed starter, sharing space with Di María and Musa. In 2025, with his contract running until 2028, he decided to return to Brazil—a farewell to Europe with 72 goals in 175 continental appearances.
Return to Brazil: Botafogo’s Big Bet in 2025
June 8, 2025, will go down in Arthur Cabral’s history. Fresh off winning the 2024 Série A and Libertadores, Botafogo announced his signing for €12 million, with up to €3 million in bonuses. Contract until the end of 2028, the number 9 shirt, and the mission to be Tite’s goal-scoring leader. “I’m coming home with more experience, ready to help Fogão defend titles,” he said at his unveiling at the Nilton Santos Stadium.
The move was no accident. Under owner John Textor, Botafogo seeks the perfect blend of youth and maturity. Cabral, with his link-up play and clinical finishing, fits perfectly into a possession-based system with quick transitions. Since arriving, he has already made his mark: in the Brasileirão, he scored against Corinthians and Cruzeiro in recent draws that kept the Alvinegro in the title race. On November 30 against Corinthians, the game ended 2-2, with Cabral creating chances despite criticism for a missed penalty. And on December 4 at the Mineirão against Cruzeiro—another 2-2 draw—he battled up front, though the goals came from Marçal and Alex Telles.
Social media is buzzing with mixed opinions. Fans praise his pre-season work under Ancelotti’s influence (yes, rumors of Italian coaching connections persist), but some are quick to criticize: “Arthur just needs confidence,” tweeted one supporter. Others call for patience: “With a full pre-season and no injuries, he’ll explode in 2026.” Indeed, injuries slowed him at Benfica in 2025, but at Botafogo he looks more comfortable in Brazil’s heat, training alongside Savarino and Tiquinho to form a lethal attacking trio.
Playing Style: The Complete No. 9 Brazil Needs
What makes Arthur Cabral special? It’s not just his imposing physique—86kg of pure power—or his deadly right foot. It’s the tactical intelligence honed in Europe. At Basel, he learned to position himself between defenders and spin quickly for one-on-one situations. At Fiorentina, he perfected hold-up play, laying the ball off for midfielders like Amrabat. At Benfica, he added versatility: he can drift wide or play as a false 9.
Analysts compare him to a Brazilian Romelu Lukaku: dominant in the air (averaging 2.5 aerial duels won per game), lethal in the box (18% conversion rate in 2024), yet with refined touch. Weaknesses? Occasionally hesitant in the final decision, like the recent missed penalty, or less mobile against low blocks. But in the Brasileirão, with more space, those traits become strengths. Tite praises him: “He combines strength and technique—perfect for our style.”
Brazilian National Team: Olympic Dreams and Beyond
For the Seleção, Cabral is still chasing his big breakthrough. In 2019, André Jardine called him up to the U-23s for pre-Olympic friendlies. He scored against Colombia and showed promise, but the pandemic and injuries kept him out of Tokyo 2020. With the senior team, Dorival Júnior gave him a taste of the World Cup qualifiers in 2023, where he scored against Bolivia. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, he’s fighting for a spot: “I want to be on that list,” he said in a recent interview.
Personal Life: Family, Faith, and Paraíbano Legacy
Off the pitch, Cabral keeps a low profile. Married to Paraíbana model Larissa, he has a young son who travels with him to games. A fan of forró music and Northeast Brazilian literature, he visits Campina Grande whenever possible, investing in social projects for young athletes. “Football got me off the streets; now I give back,” he says. His Catholic faith is a cornerstone, and he wears a Saint George tattoo as a talisman.
The Future: Titles and the Legacy of a Warrior
With Botafogo eyeing back-to-back Libertadores titles and the 2025 Club World Cup, Arthur Cabral is a central figure. His 10 goals this season (as of December) are promising, but 2026 demands even more. With better fitness, he could become the top scorer Brazil craves. From Campina Grande to the world and back again, Cabral proves that strong roots flourish on any pitch. Botafogo—and the Seleção—are betting on it. And the fans are already singing: “Arthur, king of the box, will make Botafogo shine again!”
