Thiago Almada: Legal Disputes and Club Developments

By Vikram Nair / 04.04.2026

In recent months, the financial landscape surrounding Brazilian football club Botafogo has become increasingly complex, particularly regarding its dealings with French club Lyon. Just before the end of 2023, Botafogo filed lawsuits against Lyon, claiming unpaid debts totaling 125 million euros, which translates to approximately 745 million reais.

The debts in question are linked to the loan of several players to Lyon and allegations of phantom transfers. This legal action underscores the financial difficulties that Botafogo has been facing, which have been exacerbated by their recent successes, including winning the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league title in 2024.

John Textor, the owner of Botafogo, has a notable history with Lyon, having previously been in charge of the French club. Textor was replaced as Lyon president by Michele Kang in June 2022, a change that has since influenced the dynamics between the two clubs.

In December 2023, FIFA imposed a ban on Botafogo from signing new players due to a debt related to the signing of Thiago Almada. However, this ban was lifted in February 2024 after a settlement was reached between Botafogo and Lyon, allowing the Brazilian club to resume its transfer activities.

Currently, Lyon is positioned fourth in Ligue 1 and is contending for a Champions League spot, which adds another layer of complexity to their financial dealings. The ongoing lawsuits could impact their operations as they navigate these challenges.

Botafogo’s legal actions against Lyon reflect broader issues within football finance, particularly concerning player transfers and club ownership. The situation is particularly significant given the recent history of both clubs and their respective financial standings.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for both clubs remain to be seen. The outcome of these lawsuits could influence future dealings and the financial health of both Botafogo and Lyon.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the debts and the potential resolutions being sought by Botafogo. The situation continues to develop, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the outcomes.