When asked in his first interview with EintrachtTV why he decided to join the Eagles, young Brazilian goalkeeper Kauã Santos did not have to think twice: Firstly “because of the fans”, who “really love football and are always behind the team”, and secondly because of a “club structure” that offers him the “best opportunities” to “develop as well as possible”.
From the Copacabana to the Main
Not that the keeper’s prospects at his former club were limited. The CR Flamengo youth academy is widely regarded as one of the most successful in Brazil, with world-class players such as Vinicius Junior and goalkeeping legend Júlio César taking the first steps of their professional careers there. Santos also came through the youth ranks at the Rio de Janeiro outfit, putting himself in the shop window for an eventual move to Frankfurt.
The summer signing was born in the small city of Vassouras, 80 kilometres north of Rio, on 11 April 2003. It came as no surprise, therefore, that Santos was lured to Sugarloaf Mountain in the early stages of his career. He most recently represented Flamengo’s U20s, captaining the side to the regional youth championship.
At the start of 2023, the 1.96m keeper was part of the Brazil squad that won the South American U20 Championship. He also helped Flamengo to the final of the domestic U20 championship before departing for Frankfurt.
After signing a contract until 2028, Santos now wants to prove himself on the European stage. “I hope I can bring a lot of joy to the fans and that we’ll have a good time together,” said the Eagles’ new number 40, who is relishing the challenge in Frankfurt.
We’re pleased that we’ve been able to sign such a talented goalkeeper in Kauã Santos.
Sporting director Timmo Hardung
Sporting director Timmo Hardung is delighted with the acquisition of the young Brazilian, saying: “We’re pleased that we’ve been able to sign such a talented goalkeeper in Kauã Santos. Our scouting and goalkeeping departments have been watching him for a long time and are in no doubt about his huge potential. He’ll get all the support he needs with us, as well as the opportunities to continue his personal development.”
The arrival of Santos completes the goalkeeping team of Jan Zimmerman, which also includes first-choice custodian Kevin Trapp, veteran Jens Grahl and fellow youngster Simon Simoni.
In Eintracht’s friendly against SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Santos entered the fray at half-time and kept a clean sheet in his 45 minutes on the pitch
