Raúl Alejandro Cáceres Bogado is a name that resonates in South American football, particularly among Paraguayan and Brazilian fans. Born on September 18, 1991, in Asunción, Paraguay, he has established himself as a solid and experienced right-back. With a career marked by stints at prominent clubs in Paraguay and Brazil, Cáceres showcases versatility, physical strength, and dedication on the pitch. At 34 years old, he remains active, playing for Esporte Clube Vitória in Brazil’s Série A. This article explores his journey, from his early days to recent achievements, highlighting his impact on the sport.
Early Life and Football Development
Raúl Cáceres was born into a family with a strong football tradition. He is the son of Virginio Cáceres, a legendary defender who made history at Olimpia, one of Paraguay’s biggest clubs. This family legacy directly influenced his passion for the sport. From a young age, Raúl showed talent with the ball, and in 2002, at age 11, he joined Olimpia’s youth academy, the same club where his father shone.
Over eight years in the youth system, from 2002 to 2010, Cáceres honed his skills. He stood out for his speed, marking ability, and precise crosses, traits that would later define him as a reliable right-back. During this period, he competed in youth tournaments and trained alongside club idols, absorbing valuable lessons about discipline and tactics. His development was comprehensive, encompassing not only technical skills but also mental preparation for professional football.
In 2010, still young, Raúl was promoted to Olimpia’s first team. This transition marked the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, where he would need to prove his worth in a competitive environment.
Professional Debut and Early Years in Paraguay
Raúl Cáceres made his professional debut in 2010 with Olimpia. That year and the next, he played 20 matches in the Paraguayan Primera División, not scoring but contributing with assists and defensive solidity. Olimpia, a historic club, was in a rebuilding phase, and Cáceres gained experience in intense matches, including derbies against Cerro Porteño.
In 2012, seeking more playing time, he transferred to Sportivo Carapeguá, a smaller club that offered him regular minutes. There, he played 55 games over two years, scoring his first four professional goals. This phase was crucial for his maturation, as he faced challenges like fighting relegation and improved his game reading.
In 2014, Cáceres signed with Sol de América, another traditional Paraguayan club. Over two years, he played 88 matches, scoring just one goal but standing out for his consistency. Sol de América competed in the Primera División and continental tournaments, giving Raúl international exposure. His performances caught the attention of bigger clubs, paving the way for a significant transfer.
Rise at Cerro Porteño: Years of Glory
In 2016, Raúl Cáceres fulfilled a dream by joining Cerro Porteño, one of Paraguay’s football giants. His stint there, lasting until 2020, was the most prolific of his career to date. He played 114 league matches, scoring six goals and providing numerous assists. At Cerro, Cáceres became an undisputed starter, contributing to successful campaigns.
Achievements at Cerro Porteño
During his time at Cerro Porteño, Raúl helped the team win major titles. In 2017, the club secured the Paraguayan Primera División Clausura, with Cáceres playing a key role in the defense. He featured in most matches, helping the team maintain one of the league’s best defensive records. Three years later, in 2020, they won the Apertura, again with decisive contributions from Raúl in knockout matches.
Beyond domestic titles, Cerro Porteño competed in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, where Cáceres faced top-tier teams from Brazil and Argentina. His ability to handle pressure in continental competitions earned him respect across the region.
Loan to Vasco da Gama
In 2019, while still tied to Cerro Porteño, Cáceres was loaned to Vasco da Gama in Brazil. This marked his first experience outside Paraguay. At Vasco, he played 23 matches in the Brazilian Série A and Campeonato Carioca, not scoring but impressing with his quick adaptation to the intense and technical Brazilian game. Although Vasco didn’t win titles that year, Raúl gained valuable experience, including participation in the Taça Guanabara.
Expansion to Brazilian Football: Cruzeiro and América Mineiro
After his loan at Vasco, Cáceres chose to stay in Brazil. In 2020, he joined Cruzeiro, a traditional club from Minas Gerais. There, he played 55 matches until 2021, scoring three goals. Cruzeiro was facing financial and sporting challenges, competing in Série B, but Raúl stood out for his leadership and versatility, occasionally playing as a left-back.
In 2022, he moved to América Mineiro, another Minas Gerais club. That season, he played 34 matches, scoring one goal. América competed in Série A and the Copa Libertadores, giving Cáceres more international exposure. His performances helped the team stay in the top flight, with solid defending and accurate crosses creating goal-scoring opportunities.
These years in Brazil shaped Raúl into an adaptable player, capable of handling different playing styles and cultures.
Return to Paraguay: Stint at Guaraní
In 2023, after years abroad, Cáceres returned to Paraguay to play for Guaraní. This move was driven by a desire to be close to family and contribute to local football. At Guaraní, he played 36 matches, scoring two goals. The club competed in the Primera División and Copa Sudamericana, where Raúl showed he still had the physical vigor and tactical intelligence.
This phase served as a bridge to his next adventure, reinforcing his reputation as an experienced defender.
Current Club: Esporte Clube Vitória
Since January 2024, Raúl Cáceres has been playing for Esporte Clube Vitória in Bahia, Brazil. He joined the club on January 11, 2024, with a contract initially set to expire at the end of the year but extended on December 9, 2024, to run until December 31, 2025. At Vitória, he primarily plays as a right-back, wearing the number 27 jersey.
2024 Season: Adaptation and Contributions
In 2024, Cáceres played 34 matches for Vitória, scoring three goals. He participated in multiple competitions: 14 matches in Série A (two goals, 1,177 minutes), seven in the Copa do Nordeste (425 minutes), seven in the Campeonato Baiano (one goal, 556 minutes), four in the Copa Sudamericana (290 minutes), and two in the Copa do Brasil (180 minutes). He received four yellow cards and no reds, showing discipline.
His adaptation to Vitória was swift, helping the team win the 2025 Campeonato Baiano, a significant title for the club. His goals and defensive work were crucial in key moments.
2025 Season and Recent Updates
In 2025, Cáceres remains a key player for Vitória. Through October, he started 12 Série A matches, showing consistency. His highlights include decisive goals. On October 5, 2025, he scored the third goal in a victory over Vasco da Gama, celebrating with the fans.
The latest update is from October 17, 2025, when Vitória defeated Bahia 2-1 in the Ba-Vi derby, during the 28th round of the Brasileirão. Cáceres scored the winning goal in the 64th minute after a well-constructed play. Renato Kayzer opened the scoring, Tiago equalized for Bahia, but Raúl secured the three points. His Sofascore rating was 7.8, with one goal, three shots, one big chance created, and two tackles. This victory helped Vitória escape the relegation zone, thrilling fans at the Barradão.
Analysts, like Rodrigo Coutinho, praised his verticality and aggression, noting his role in the goals. At 34, Cáceres proves that experience pays off, contributing to the team’s success.
International Career
Raúl Cáceres represented Paraguay at youth levels. In 2011, he played four matches for the U-20 team in the South American U-20 Championship, without scoring. He was called up to the senior national team on occasion, including the provisional squad for the 2016 Copa América Centenario, but was cut from the final roster. Though he has no senior caps, his youth contributions helped shape future generations.
Playing Style and Characteristics
Cáceres is known for his physical strength, speed, and accurate crosses. Standing at 1.80 m and weighing 74 kg, he dominates the right flank, combining tight marking with offensive support. His versatility allows him to play as a left-back or even a right midfielder. He is disciplined, with few red cards in his career, and his game reading improves with age. At Vitória, he excels in aerial duels and quick transitions, adapting to Brazil’s dynamic football.
Personal Life and Legacy
Off the field, Raúl is reserved. As the son of an idol, he values family and often cites his father as an inspiration. He lives in Salvador, Bahia, embracing the local culture. His legacy is one of perseverance, overcoming injuries and club changes to stay at a high level.
With over 428 appearances and 17 goals in his career, Cáceres inspires young Paraguayans. His current market value is estimated at around 250,000 euros, reflecting his relevance.
Conclusion: A Warrior on the Pitch
Raúl Cáceres embodies the spirit of South American football: determination and talent. From Asunción to the Barradão, his journey is one of overcoming challenges and achieving success. In 2025, at 34, he continues to score decisive goals, like in the recent Ba-Vi, proving that age is just a number. The future holds more chapters for this Paraguayan defender, who continues to captivate fans in Brazil and Paraguay.
