Cabral: The Professional Journey of a Prolific Striker
From the youth pitches of Paraíba to the elite stadiums of Europe and back to Brazil, Cabral has established himself as a clinical finisher. His career is marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of South American and European football, characterized by an innate ability to score crucial goals in high-pressure environments.
Key Facts
- Birthplace: Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
- Career Peak at Basel: Scored 75 goals in 118 appearances.
- European Success: Finished as the top scorer of the 2022–23 UEFA Conference League.
- High-Value Transfer: Joined Benfica for a reported €20 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
- Current Club: Botafogo (signed until 2028).
Early Career and Breakthrough at Ceará
Cabral began his footballing journey in 2014 by joining the youth setup of Ceará. He made an immediate impact upon his first-team debut on July 22, 2015, scoring a last-minute winning goal in a 2–1 victory against Tupi during the Copa do Brasil.
After a brief loan spell with Palmeiras in late 2015, Cabral returned to Ceará. He was fully promoted to the first team for the 2017 season, where he played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to Série A (the top flight of Brazilian football), contributing four goals in 16 matches during the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. He continued his form into 2018, notably scoring twice in a 3–0 win against Ferroviário-CE.
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European Ascent: FC Basel and the Swiss Super League
Cabral's European adventure began on September 30, 2019, when he joined FC Basel of the Swiss Super League on loan. Under manager Marcel Koller, he quickly integrated into the squad, debuting in the Swiss Cup and making his UEFA Europa League debut shortly after in a 5–0 win over Krasnodar.
His goal-scoring instincts were evident early on, netting his first league goal against Zürich and following it up with a brace against Luzern. These performances led Basel to sign him permanently on June 29, 2020. Cabral became a powerhouse for the club, recording a four-goal haul against Servette and a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Conference League against Hammarby IF.
By the time he departed in January 2022, Cabral had become Basel's top scorer, leaving a legacy of 75 goals across 118 appearances.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Super League | 77 | 46 |
| European Competitions | 26 | 17 |
| Swiss Cup | 3 | 2 |
| Test Matches | 12 | 10 |
| Total | 118 | 75 |
Success in Italy and Portugal
In January 2022, Cabral moved to the Italian Serie A to join Fiorentina. He reached a career milestone during the 2022–23 UEFA Conference League, where he finished as the tournament's joint top scorer with 7 goals, helping Fiorentina reach the final. He ended that season as the club's overall top scorer with 17 goals.
His success in Italy attracted Benfica, who signed him on August 10, 2023, for a reported €20 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with a release clause set at €100 million. While his time in Lisbon included some turbulence—including a public apology to fans in December 2023—he remained a vital asset. He scored a critical back-heel goal against Red Bull Salzburg to help Benfica qualify for the Europa League knock-out round and showcased his technical skill with a bicycle kick goal against Estrela da Amadora.
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Return to Brazil with Botafogo
On June 8, 2025, Cabral returned to his home country, signing with Botafogo, the reigning Série A and Copa Libertadores champions. His contract runs until the end of 2028. He maintained his reputation for immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a 2–0 victory over Vasco in Brasília.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did Cabral score for FC Basel?
Cabral scored a total of 75 goals in 118 appearances for FC Basel across all competitions.
Which European competition did Cabral top as a goalscorer?
He finished as the top scorer of the 2022–23 UEFA Conference League with 7 goals, sharing the honor with Zeki Amdouni.
What was the transfer fee for Cabral's move to Benfica?
Benfica signed Cabral for a reported fee of €20 million, with an additional €5 million in add-ons.
When did Cabral return to Brazilian football?
Cabral returned to Brazil on June 8, 2025, when he signed with Botafogo.
What was Cabral's release clause at Benfica?
His release clause while at Benfica was set at €100 million.