Palmeiras has become the target of criticism from rival fans who have started calling the club a "team of traitors" due to the number of players with notable stints at other Brazilian clubs who were signed. Marlon Freitas, Alexander Barboza, Jhon Arias, Andreas Pereira, and Carlos Miguel are among the players who had their images "tarnished" in the eyes of their former clubs' fans after their departures.
Marlon Freitas is one of the most emblematic cases. The midfielder, who was captain of Botafogo's champion team in the Libertadores and Brasileirão of 2024, was even honored with a large banner from the fans alongside names like Garrincha, Didi, and Nilton Santos. However, his image was removed from the banner after his departure to Palmeiras earlier this year and statements considered disrespectful by the black-and-white fans.
The first reunion of Marlon Freitas with Botafogo fans since his transfer took place this Sunday at Estádio Nilton Santos, in the Brasileirão. The expected reception was hostility from the Botafogo supporters, who would not forgive the way the player left the club.
Andreas Pereira is also mentioned as another player who does not escape the outrage from some rival fans. Defender Alexander Barboza completes the list of players who left their former clubs with their image compromised in the eyes of the fans, reinforcing Palmeiras' reputation as a team that attracts controversial players in their departures from other Brazilian clubs.
