VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC bolstered their midfield on Friday, acquiring 22-year-old Caio Alexandre (kai-o ah-le-shan-drey) via transfer from Brazilian club Botafogo FR. Caio Alexandre has agreed to a four-year contract through 2024. The Brazilian will officially join the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, medical, work permit, and visa.
“We are very pleased to welcome Caio Alexandre, who embraced our vision here in Vancouver, despite him also having offers from clubs in Brazil,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer and sporting director. “We are building a young, energetic team with a very clear identity and expectation. In his young age, he has already proven he can perform in one of the top 10 leagues in the world. The calendar will be very demanding this year and adding a player with Caio’s qualities will only improve our group.”
Whitecaps FC central midfielder Caio Alexandre
- Signed with Botafogo FR first team in September 2019, signed extension in April 2020
- O Globo, Brazilian newspaper, ranked him ninth overall as the biggest revelations during the 2020-21 season
- Started 46 of 50 first team appearances across all competitions during the 2020-21 season
- Captained Botafogo FR U-20 side in 2019
“Caio Alexandre has the volume and technical ability that will add a different dimension to our team,” added Marc Dos Santos, Whitecaps FC head coach. “He has the characteristics of a box-to-box midfielder who works extremely hard on both ends of the pitch. We’ve been following him closely for some time as he fits the profile we wanted to add to our group. We are very happy to have him join our club.”
Caio Alexandre arrives in Vancouver following his first professional season in Brazil’s Série A, which included five goals across all competitions. The native of Duque de Caxias, Brazil made 34 league appearances, six starts in the Copa do Brasil, and 10 appearances in the Campeonato Carioca. Prior to signing his first team contract in September 2019, Caio Alexandre captained the Botafogo U-20 side.
“I would like to say to the fans, I am extremely happy to join this great club and I will always do my best to bring joy to the faces of all of you,” said Caio Alexandre.
Whitecaps FC currently have 30 players under contract for the 2021 MLS season including 18 players 23-years-old or younger. The ‘Caps kick off the regular season when they host Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers on Sunday, April 18 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
TRANSACTION: On March 12, 2021, Whitecaps FC acquire midfielder Caio Alexandre via transfer from Botafogo and agreed to a four-year contract through 2024. Caio Alexandre will occupy an international roster spot and officially join the club's roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, medical, work permit, and visa.
Caio Alexandre
Pronunciation: kai-o al-lay-shan-drey
Full Name: Caio Alexandre Sousa e Silva
Position: Central midfielder
Height: 5-09
Weight: 150 pounds
Date of Birth: February 24, 1999 in Duque de Caxias, Brazil
Hometown: Duque de Caxias, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
Status: International
Academy: Fluminense FC (2009 to 2014), Botafogo FR (2014 to 2019)
Last Professional Club: Botafogo (Campeonato Brasileiro Série A 2020 - 2021)
Acquired: Signed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC via transfer from Botafogo on March 12, 2021
