Futsal is woven into Brazil’s sporting identity, a point of pride that runs from street courts to packed arenas. Brazilian legionários have long scattered across the futsal world, and when they return, they bring back tactical nuance, higher training standards, and a competitive edge that enriches the domestic game. But there are also less-charted markets shaping Brazilian careers in quieter, decisive ways. One of them is Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia.
Now, Kazakhstan has become a key hub for Brazilian talent. Dozens of Brazilians now play in Kazakhstan’s top flight. At leading clubs—Kairat, Aktobe, Atyrau, and Semey—their combined numbers exceed twenty. Most players stay two to four seasons, while some remain six to eight, becoming part of club and city life.
Each season, high-profile names arrive—from high-potential prospects to UEFA Futsal Champions League (UEFA FCL) winners. Among them are Léo Higuita, Carlos Vagner Gularte Filho (Ferrão), Leonardo Mendonça da Rosa, and Rafael Almeida Santos.
Léo Higuita, one of the world’s best goalkeepers, debuted with “Tulpar” Karaganda (2009–2010), spent 2011–2024 at Kairat, joined FC Semey in 2024, and has represented—and captained—Kazakhstan since 2013. Leonardo Mendonça da Rosa (Léo) played for Kairat from 2009 to 2018, continued his career in Portugal and Brazil, and returned in July 2025 to join FC Semey.
Why Kazakhstan?
Conditions at many Kazakh clubs outpace much of Latin America: training facilities meet international standards, salaries are competitive, and clubs offer practical support with housing, language, and daily logistics. Crucially, top teams push to be regulars in the UEFA FCL, giving Brazilians a platform against Europe’s best. For many, Kazakhstan functions as a bridge between Latin American and European futsal—an intermediate but pivotal step toward elite European leagues.
Who’s behind the rise?
Private clubs and investment groups are backing better coaching, upgraded training bases, arenas and gyms, and more professional competition structures. The sport is treated not only as competition but also as a business and a tool for international positioning.
A clear example is FC Semey, a private club that—through investment and smart management—has quickly become a notable player domestically and in Europe. In its first year after founding, Semey won the Riga Futsal Cup and captured the 2023/24 Kazakhstan championship.
In August 2025, ahead of the new season, the club strengthened again with two Brazilians: Marcelo Augusto dos Santos, a two-time UEFA FCL winner, and the young Pedro Henrique da Silva Abreu. In 2023, Pedrinho delivered Praia Clube’s historic Brazilian Cup victory, and in 2025, he finished as top scorer for Atlântico Erechim in the Liga Nacional de Futsal (LNF).
“I’m very happy to be here. I hope to help the club in every way I can and win as many trophies as possible—in Kazakhstan and in Europe. The club has big ambitions, and I share that hunger to win. I’m ready to give everything for the team and our fans,” said Marcelo Augusto dos Santos of his transfer.
“Brazilian players travel thousands of kilometers; it’s never an easy transition. Our responsibility is to make sure they feel at home, build friendships, and share their traditions with us while learning ours. We know that without solid club support, it’s difficult for any foreign player to reach their full potential,” said Yerik Aubakirov, President of FC Semey.
Semey also appointed a new fitness coach, Harrison Fabrizio Muzzi Rodrigues (known as Harrison Muzzi). He has worked with leading clubs in Brazil, Italy, and Spain, and in recent years was at ElPozo in Spain, earning a reputation as a top-class professional.
Other Kazakh clubs are pursuing similar strategies—borrowing international best practices and recruiting players with serious pedigrees. Recently, Kairat Almaty announced the signing of versatile Brazilian Rafael Almeida Santos, a two-time CONMEBOL Liga Evolución winner with Brazil.
Takeaways
Kazakhstan is set to keep attracting Brazilian futsal talent. An ambitious league, competitive contracts, and proactive private clubs with long-term development plans suggest the domestic competition will strengthen, the overall quality will rise, and matches will become even more compelling.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.