Did Dortmund Just Sign Brazilian Teenager Prates on a Long-Term Deal?
Synopsis
Borussia Dortmund has successfully signed 17-year-old Brazilian left-back Kaua Prates from Cruzeiro for a long-term deal. With a promising future ahead, Prates is set to join the Bundesliga club in 2026-27. His addition marks another significant step for Dortmund as they remain competitive in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Key Takeaways
Kaua Prates joins Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract.
He will remain at Cruzeiro until the summer of 2026.
Prates has a promising track record, having played 17 matches for Cruzeiro.
He contributed to Brazil's U17 Championship victory.
Dortmund continues to build a strong connection with Brazilian players.
Berlin, Feb 20 (NationPress) Borussia Dortmund has officially secured the signing of Brazilian left-back Kaua Prates from top-tier Brazilian club Cruzeiro. The 17-year-old is set to join the Bundesliga team ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Dortmund announced that Prates has signed a long-term contract lasting until 2031 after passing a medical examination this week. The young defender will continue to be contracted with Cruzeiro until the summer of 2026 before transitioning to his new club in Germany, according to reports from Xinhua.
Standing at 1.84 meters, Prates joined Cruzeiro's youth academy in 2019 and made his professional debut in May 2025 at just 16 years old. He has since participated in 17 matches for Cruzeiro's senior team.
On the international front, the young talent contributed to Brazil's U17 team winning the South American U17 Championship last year.
Sporting managing director Lars Ricken expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "With Kaua, we have secured an incredibly promising player. He is still quite young and ranks among the most talented individuals in South America. We believe that his skills, ambition, and potential for growth align perfectly with Borussia Dortmund's vision."
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl also shared his excitement regarding the signing. "We are thrilled to welcome Kaua. He possesses exceptional talent and a versatile skill set, allowing him to play multiple defensive roles in various formations. His tackling skills, resilience, and mentality will undoubtedly enhance our squad next season," Kehl remarked.
Prates conveyed his eagerness to embark on this new journey in Germany, saying, "I am extremely proud to represent this prestigious club starting this summer. I am filled with excitement and will give my all from day one in black and yellow to achieve success with BVB."
He will become Dortmund's 16th Brazilian player, with only Germany contributing more players and total appearances for the club. The Brazilian connection began with Julio Cesar in 1994, while Dede holds the record for the most appearances by a non-German player with 398.
As for Borussia Dortmund, they remain in the Bundesliga title race, currently holding second place and trailing six points behind leaders Bayern Munich, while also pursuing Champions League aspirations after a 2-0 first-leg victory against Atalanta in the round-of-16.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the significance of Borussia Dortmund's signing of Kaua Prates. This move not only emphasizes the club's commitment to securing young talent but also showcases the growing connection between Brazilian players and European football. Dortmund's strategic acquisition positions them well for future competitions, reflecting their ambition in the Bundesliga and beyond.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Prates join Borussia Dortmund?
Prates is set to join Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2026-27 season.
What is Prates' height?
Kaua Prates stands at 1.84 meters tall.
What has Prates accomplished at the international level?
He helped Brazil's U17 team win the South American U17 Championship last year.
How many Brazilian players have played for Dortmund?
Kaua Prates will be the 16th Brazilian player to represent Borussia Dortmund.
