Natanael: The Career Journey of the Brazilian Defender
From the heart of Mato Grosso to the prestigious stages of the UEFA Champions League, Natanael has carved out a professional football career defined by steady growth and international ambition. Starting in the regional leagues of Brazil, he climbed the ranks to compete in the top flight of Brazilian football before making a significant move to Europe.
Early Career and Foundations
Born in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Natanael began his professional journey in 2009 with Operário de Várzea Grande. His early years were spent honing his skills in regional competitions, including a brief period with Associação Atlética Serra de Tangará. By 2011, he returned to his hometown to join Cuiabá, establishing himself as a promising talent in the Brazilian circuit.
Rise at Atlético Paranaense
Natanael's career reached a new level on December 19, 2013, when he signed a one-year contract with Atlético Paranaense, a prominent club in Série A (the top tier of the Brazilian football league system). He made his competitive debut on April 20, starting in a 1–0 victory over Grêmio.
His impact was immediate and consistent. By July 3, 2014, the club—often referred to as Furacão—secured his future with a new three-year deal. Natanael became a mainstay in the lineup, recording 31 starts during the campaign and featuring regularly in the Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition.
A personal milestone occurred on March 22, 2015, when he scored his first goal for the club during a dominant 7–0 win against Nacional in the Campeonato Paranaense.
European Transition to Ludogorets Razgrad
In July 2015, Natanael transitioned to European football, signing with the Bulgarian champions PFC Ludogorets Razgrad for an undisclosed fee. He began his integration into the squad on August 8, playing 55 minutes for Ludogorets II in a B Group match against Vereya.
His first-team debut followed shortly after on August 16, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 win over Lokomotiv Plovdiv at the Ludogorets Arena. Natanael quickly became a first-choice player, contributing to the club's fifth championship title during the 2015–16 season.
The pinnacle of his time in Bulgaria came during the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League. After playing in all six qualifying matches to help the team reach the group stage, Natanael made a mark on the world stage. On September 28, 2016, he scored a free-kick goal against Paris Saint-Germain, though Ludogorets ultimately lost the match 3–1.
Key Facts
- Birthplace: Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
- Professional Debut: 2009 with Operário de Várzea Grande.
- Série A Experience: Played for Atlético Paranaense starting in 2014.
- European Success: Won the Bulgarian championship with Ludogorets Razgrad in 2015–16.
- Champions League Highlight: Scored against Paris Saint-Germain on September 28, 2016.
| Period | Club | Key Achievement/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Operário de Várzea Grande | Senior debut |
| 2011 | Cuiabá | Return to hometown club |
| 2013–2015 | Atlético Paranaense | Série A debut and Copa Libertadores appearances |
| 2015–2017 | Ludogorets Razgrad | Bulgarian League title and UEFA Champions League goal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Natanael start his professional football career?
Natanael made his senior debut in 2009 with Operário de Várzea Grande in his home state of Mato Grosso.
When did Natanael first play in the Brazilian Série A?
He debuted in Série A on April 20, 2014, while playing for Atlético Paranaense in a match against Grêmio.
Which European club did Natanael join in 2015?
He joined the Bulgarian champions PFC Ludogorets Razgrad in July 2015.
Did Natanael ever score in the UEFA Champions League?
Yes, he scored a goal from a free kick against Paris Saint-Germain on September 28, 2016, during the group stage.
How many championships did Ludogorets win during Natanael's early tenure?
Natanael helped Ludogorets win their fifth championship during the 2015–16 season.