(foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Brazilian defender Rodrigao has joined Red Star Belgrade on a free transfer after leaving Zenit, signing a contract until 2027.
Red Star Belgrade have secured a major reinforcement in defence with the arrival of Rodrigao, the 29-year-old Brazilian centre-back who has signed a contract until summer 2027. After passing medical examinations, Rodrigao is now officially set to become a key part of the team’s backline.
The former Zenit St. Petersburg defender joins as a free agent, having mutually terminated his contract with the Russian club in March. Though he made just three appearances this season, Rodrigao previously logged 56 matches for Zenit and brings European experience, physical presence, and leadership qualities to Belgrade.
Rodrigao is expected to form a new central defensive pairing with Miloš Veljković, who is set to join Red Star from Werder Bremen when his contract expires this summer. The duo is being positioned as Red Star’s first-choice pairing for both the domestic season and the club’s upcoming European campaign.
Before his stint in Russia, Rodrigao played for:
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Atlético Mineiro, where he came through the youth ranks,
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Gil Vicente in Portugal,
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and Sochi, also in the Russian Premier League.
His most notable spell came with Zenit, where he won multiple domestic honours and featured in European competitions.
The official unveiling of Rodrigao is expected before the end of the week, with Red Star fans set to welcome a commanding defensive presence to the Marakana.