ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida stands out as the team with the most world champions. Four of its players won the title with Brazil at the World Cup in Uzbekistan. Defender Marlon Oliveira and winger Felipe Valerio were crucial in Brazil’s defense, which conceded only six goals in seven games. Center Rafa Santos scored in the final against Argentina, while Marcel Marques claimed the FIFA Golden Boot as the top scorer with 10 goals. Marcel, already a top scorer in the First Division and last season’s best player, also made the most shots (51) and provided the most assists (5) in the tournament, playing a key role in Brazil’s sixth championship after a 12-year wait.
Contracts
Marcel’s contract ends in June 2025 after the club triggered a renewal clause in April. In May, they attempted to extend his contract, but no agreement was reached. Marcel chose to wait until after the World Cup, and the decision paid off. He aims to stay at ElPozo Murcia, but the club will need to make a significant financial effort to keep him. From January 1, he is free to negotiate with other clubs, and teams from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia have shown interest. At 28, the World Cup Golden Boot winner is in his prime, seeking a contract that offers both sporting and financial security. However, ElPozo is managing budget constraints and won’t offer excessive financial deals. His free agent status makes him highly sought after by European clubs, especially with the rising influence of Saudi teams.
Fran Serrejón, ElPozo’s general director, will tackle Marcel’s renewal once he returns from Uzbekistan. Additionally, another key player, Felipe Valerio, is also nearing the end of his contract. The 31-year-old forward, entering his seventh season at the club, is drawing interest from multiple teams. Sporting de Portugal has already shown interest in him as a replacement for Pany Varela, who moved to Al-Nasr, but ElPozo refused to negotiate the transfer of their captain. Both players are essential to coach Dani Martínez’s plans.
Dyego Zuffo
Dyego Zuffo, captain of Brazil, also became a World Champion. The Barça winger secured the last title missing from his collection and was awarded the Ballon d’Or as the best player of the tournament. At 35, Dyego recovered from quadriceps tendon surgery just before the World Cup. Although doctors estimated a six-month recovery, he sped up his rehabilitation. He trained with restrictions, avoiding shots with his left foot during the group stage, yet remained a dual-threat player. “They advised me not to shoot with my left foot, and I followed that advice, not taking a single shot during the group stage,” he explained. “It was important that no one knew. The opponents still thought I could cut to the left, so they would defend my right,” he said. Dyego’s and Pito’s conditions remain to be seen as the “FIFA virus” has taken a toll on Barça.
Another former Barça player, Ferrao, also suffered an injury but managed to score the first goal in the final against Argentina. Now playing for Kazakh team Semey, he said, “It was worth it. I scored and we became world champions. The injury doesn’t matter. What matters is that the trophy is going to Brazil.” Ferrao reflected on his recovery from a partial Achilles tendon rupture, saying, “I can’t describe this moment. I was out for eight months, and it’s almost like a year. While recovering, I thought about this moment. Thank God I was able to return and become a world champion. There’s no price for that.”
