Daijiworld Media Network - Berlin
Berlin, Feb 20: Borussia Dortmund has officially announced the signing of 17-year-old Brazilian left-back Kaua Prates from top-tier Brazilian club Cruzeiro, with the talented defender set to join the Bundesliga side ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Prates has committed to a long-term contract with Dortmund until 2031, following a successful medical this week. He will continue to play for Cruzeiro until the end of the 2025-26 season before making his move to Germany, according to Xinhua reports.
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. Since then, he has accumulated 17 appearances for the first team. On the international stage, he helped Brazil’s U17 squad lift the South American U17 Championship last year.
Borussia Dortmund’s sporting managing director, Lars Ricken, praised the youngster’s potential: “Kaua is an incredibly exciting talent. At such a young age, he is already one of South America’s most promising players. His skills, ambition, and growth potential make him an ideal fit for Dortmund.”
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl also welcomed the signing: “We are thrilled to bring Kaua on board. He offers versatility across multiple defensive roles and his tackling, resilience, and mentality will strengthen our squad next season.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Prates said: “I am proud to join this great club in the summer. I am incredibly excited and will give everything from day one to succeed in black and yellow.”
Prates will become Dortmund’s 16th Brazilian player, with only German players surpassing them in total numbers and appearances. The club’s Brazilian connection dates back to Julio Cesar in 1994, while Dede holds the record for the most appearances by a non-German with 398 matches.
On the pitch, Dortmund continues to chase the Bundesliga title, currently second behind Bayern Munich, and remains in contention in the Champions League following a 2-0 first-leg victory over Atalanta in the round of 16.