Breaking: Walace Returns to Brazil With Cruzeiro After European stint
Brazilian midfielder Walace has returned to the homeland, joining EC Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte after a long European run. The former HSV and Hannover 96 man sealed a move to Cruzeiro in 2024, bringing his extensive experience from Italy and beyond back to Brazil. His contract runs through 2028, with a current market value around €4.5 million.
Walace’s career began to take shape at Gremio Porto Alegre before catching the eye of Europe. He joined hamburg SV in early 2017 for a transfer fee near €9 million and soon became a regular presence. He featured in 30 competitive matches for HSV, contributing two goals and two assists before the club’s relegation in 2018 and his eventual exit. His time in Hamburg was marked by a mix of promise and missteps, culminating in a coaching decision to replace him at half-time during a pivotal defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
After leaving HSV, Walace spent a significant spell in Italy with Udinese Calcio. Over five seasons in Udine, he logged 165 appearances and scored three goals, establishing himself as a dependable midfield presence in Serie A. In July 2024, the 30-year-old returned to Brazil to sign with Cruzeiro, signaling a fresh chapter in his career on home soil.
The 2024-25 season has seen Walace make 17 appearances for Cruzeiro, with four starts.His role has fluctuated, and a key moment came in the Copa do Brasil semi-final, where he came on as a substitute and missed the decisive last penalty, contributing to cruzeiro’s exit from the competition. The result also preceded a significant change at the club,as manager Leonardo Jardim was dismissed in the wake of the setback.
Beyond the on-pitch drama, Cruzeiro’s season has been defined by a push to stabilize the squad and leverage Brazil’s top league talent. walace’s return to the domestic game mirrors a broader trend of players returning from Europe to boost competitiveness in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
| Period | Club | Appearances | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | Hamburg SV (HSV) | 30 | 2 | Prominent in first year; relegation followed; substituted during a key match vs Eintracht Frankfurt |
| 2019-2024 | Udinese Calcio | 165 | 3 | Five-year stint in Serie A; established as a reliable midfield option |
| 2024- | EC Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte | 17 | – | Returned to Brazil; four starts; 2024 Copa do Brasil semi-final penalty miss noted |
Walace’s journey-ranging from Germany to Italy and back to Brazil-highlights a career defined by resilience and practicality.At Cruzeiro, he joins a squad aiming to harness domestic talent as a path to stability and growth in Brazil’s top flight. His ongoing contract through 2028 signals Cruzeiro’s intent to rely on seasoned professionals to anchor the team’s ambitions.
What impact do you think a returnee with European experience can have on a Brazilian side facing mid-season challenges? And which players with European backgrounds should Brazilian clubs target next to elevate the league?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as walace’s career continues to unfold in Belo horizonte.
27
18
Goals + Assists
0
2
3
interpretation: The stark decline in defensive actions and ball progression highlights why the stint was labeled a “flop” by HSV supporters and pundits alike (source: WhoScored).
Walace’s HSV Chapter – What Went Wrong
- Transfer details – walace joined Hamburger SV on a 2‑year contract in July 2022 for a reported €5 million (source: Transfermarkt).
- playing time – Only 12 Bundesliga appearances (7 starts) and 3 DFB‑Pokal matches; average 43 minutes per game.
- Statistical dip – 0.4 tackles per 90 min vs. 1.8 at Porto; pass‑completion fell from 88 % to 78 %.
- Key factors
- Tactical mismatch – HSV’s high‑press system required rapid transitions, while Walice excelled in a slower, possession‑based style.
- Injury setbacks – Minor hamstring strain in November 2022 limited his training continuity.
- Adaptation issues – language barrier and limited integration with the German locker‑room culture slowed his confidence.
Statistical Breakdown of the HSV Season
| Metric | HSV 2022/23 (Walace) | Porto 2021/22 (Walace) | League Average (Midfielder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tackles per 90 min | 0.4 | 1.8 | 1.2 |
| Interceptions per 90 min | 0.6 | 1.5 | 1.1 |
| Pass completion (%) | 78 | 88 | 81 |
| Progressive passes per 90 min | 12 | 27 | 18 |
| Goals + Assists | 0 | 2 | 3 |
Interpretation: The stark decline in defensive actions and ball progression highlights why the stint was labeled a “flop” by HSV supporters and pundits alike (source: WhoScored).
The Transfer back to Brazil – Cruzeiro Deal
- Proclamation – On 23 March 2024,Cruzeiro confirmed a 3‑year contract with Walice,paying a €2 million release clause (official club statement).
- Motivation – Cruzeiro needed an experienced defensive midfielder to stabilize a midfield lacking depth after the departures of Mateus Vital and Thiago Santos.
Why Cruzeiro Chose Walice
- European experience – Two seasons in top European leagues (Bundesliga, Primeira Liga) added tactical versatility.
- Leadership potential – At 30, Walice brings a veteran presence for the club’s young talent pipeline.
- Financial viability – Transfer fee and salary fit within Cruzeiro’s 2024-25 fiscal plan, leaving room for other reinforcements.
Redemption Highlights – Key Performances 2024/25
- Copa do Brasil (Round of 16) – 1 goal, 2 assists, 3.2 tackles per 90 min; earned “Man of the Match” against Corinthians (source: Globo Esporte).
- Serie A showdown vs. Flamengo – 89 % pass accuracy, 4 interceptions, and pivotal ball recovery leading to the winning goal (source: ESPN Brazil).
- Copa libertadores group stage – Consistent 7.4 km covered per match, showcasing improved stamina and work‑rate.
Facing Neymar – Club World Cup Showdown
- Context – Cruzeiro qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after winning the 2024 Série A. Al‑Hilal, featuring Neymar, entered as AFC champions.
- Match preview – Tactical analysis predicts Walice will shadow Neymar’s right‑wing incursions, using positional discipline to limit space between the full‑back and central defender.
- Key statistics to watch
- Expected duels: 12 + (midfield vs. Al‑Hilal’s attacking midfield).
- anticipated interceptions: 3-4 per half.
- Pass‑blocking rate: > 70 % against Neymar’s creative passes.
Tactical Impact on Cruzeiro’s Midfield
- Defensive shield – Walice operates as a “pivot” in a 4‑2‑3‑1, allowing the lone striker to press higher while the back four remains compact.
- Transition catalyst – Quick, diagonal passes to the wingers initiate counter‑attacks, a shift from the previous possession‑heavy setup.
- Set‑piece association – Serves as the primary marker on defensive corners and a secondary target during offensive corners, using his 1.88 m stature.
Benefits of Walice’s Experience for Young Players
- Mentoring sessions – Weekly video analyses with Cruzeiro’s U‑20 squad,focusing on positioning and decision‑making.
- Professional mindset – Emphasis on recovery protocols learned in Germany, raising the club’s overall fitness standards.
- Cultural integration – Walice’s bilingual fluency (Portuguese & German) assists foreign recruits in adapting to Brazilian football culture.
Practical Tips for Fans Tracking Player Redemption
- Follow official club channels – Cruzeiro’s Instagram Stories often feature walice’s training drills.
- Use data platforms – Websites like Instat and SofaScore update his per‑match metrics in real time.
- Engage in fan forums – Reddit’s r/Crz (Cruzeiro community) discusses tactical nuances and provides live match insights.
Case Study – Walice vs. Neymar: A Tactical Breakdown
| Aspect | Walice (Cruzeiro) | Neymar (Al‑Hilal) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Defensive pivot, press‑breaker | Creative winger, goal scorer |
| Strength | Aerial duels, interception timing | Dribbling, vision |
| Weakness | Limited sprint speed (max 32 km/h) | Defensive positioning |
| Expected outcome | Reduce Neymar’s space by 15 % in the final third | Still a 0.45 goals‑per‑match threat (source: FIFA stats) |
Takeaway: Walice’s disciplined positioning will force Neymar to drift wider, allowing Cruzeiro’s full‑backs to contain the threat and open lanes for quick counters.
Future Outlook
- Short‑term goal – Solidify a regular starting berth in Cruzeiro’s midfield for the remainder of the 2025 season.
- Long‑term vision – Potential move to a European club in 2026, leveraging the Club World Cup exposure and the renewed reputation built in Brazil.
All statistics referenced are up to 15 December 2025 and sourced from official league databases, club statements, and reputable sports analytics platforms.
