Manchester United want John Victor: Who is Botafogo goalkeeper that Rubem Amorim may replace Andre Onana with? 5 POINTS

The ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has reignited Manchester United's interest in Botafogo’s goalkeeper John Victor, reports said. According to British media, Andre Onana's inconsistency remains a cause for concern for Ruben Amorim's team, and they may look to sign a more reliable goalkeeper this summer.

 

Manchester United have been linked to Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor more than once in recent years, but a solid follow-up never happened. The 29-year-old shot-stopper, meanwhile, had a tremendous career turnaround — from being a Spanish second-tier club reject to becoming one of the best in the business in Brazil. Victor managed to grab Manchester United's attention yet again after keeping a clean sheet against European champions PSG. The 6 ft 5 in tall goalkeeper was the standout performer as the Brasileirão champions registered a famous win against the most feared team in Europe past season.

 

“I am a fast goalkeeper, with good footwork and who comes out of the goal well. I learned a lot abroad about controlling space, controlling depth, and leading the defence more. I am a goalkeeper who wants to learn more at Botafogo and evolve like Perri did to reach the Brazilian national team,” John had said during his Botafogo presentation. Onana is good on the ball — a great addition to goalkeeping skills. However, Victor has proven brilliant against long-range shots and spot-kicks — both areas where Onana struggles.

 

Interestingly, Tottenham wanted to sign John Victor earlier this year, but he decided to remain at the South American club — negotiating a relatively low £5.8 million release clause in his new contract, Goal.com reported. This is a manageable amount for Old Trafford, in case they decide to proceed with buying him this time.

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Here are five facts that Manchester United fans and football lovers would love to know about the towering goalkeeper:

 

1. A product of the Santos youth system, John Victor’s career has mostly been in Brazil so far. He also had a stint in Europe with Ronaldo Nazario-owned Real Valladolid in the Spanish second tier. Between his spells at Santos and Botafogo, he was loaned out to Portuguesa Santista, Internacional, and Valladolid.

 

2. In the 2020 season, John Victor played 15 matches for Santos as they finished runners-up in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. However, the club chose João Paulo over him, forcing Victor to look for opportunities elsewhere. After promising yet brief spells with second-tier Portuguesa Santista and Internacional, Victor headed to Spain to play for Valladolid.

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3. It was not a phase to remember in Victor’s career. He conceded 17 goals in 12 matches, made several avoidable mistakes, and his body language lacked self-belief. Pundits noted he was lacking confidence between the sticks. Even the fans soon turned on him, and Valladolid benched him, using him only in a cup game — which also ended in a humiliating defeat.

 

4. Santos were keeping tabs on the developments and decided to end the loan move in January 2024, as he was not getting enough playtime. At a time when he had hit rock bottom as a professional, Botafogo came knocking. According to Portuguese media reports, it was a gamble by the Rio de Janeiro team to spend around €1.4 million on a Spanish second-division reject.

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5. Botafogo fans would say, the rest is history. John Victor was among the team’s standout performers as Estrela Solitária went on to become champions of South America and Brazil. Since April 2024, he was left out of the starting lineup only once — in a dead rubber final Libertadores group stage match. As the team went on to win the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, he was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament and included in the Team of the Year, respectively. At one point, John went 16 games without conceding, an achievement few goalkeepers can dream of in South American football.

 

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