André Bahia


André Luiz Bahia dos Santos Viana is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defender. He is currently a free agent after leaving Shonan Bellmare.

Early life

André Bahia was born and raised in the Tijuca area of Rio de Janeiro. He has four brothers from his father's side from a previous marriage and one sister. His father was a professional boxer in one of the lightest classes available. He was a six time Rio State champion.

Club career

Flamengo

Bahia started his football career at the Escolinha Júlio César, a football school run by the former Flamengo player. After daily visiting the escolinha for two years he was asked to do a trial at Flamengo Categories of Base in 1994. Bahia joined Flamengo, where he initially played as a left-winger before switching to left-back position before playing in the central defense. It was the central defence position that meant his breakthrough in professional football.
In the 2001 season, he made his professional debut for Flamengo, where he started the whole game, in a 2–1 loss against Santa Cruz on 2 September 2001. After this, he received a handful of first team appearances throughout September by Manager Mário Zagallo. On 10 October 2001, Bahia scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw against Botafogo. At the end of the 2001 season, Bahia went on to make ten appearances and scoring once for the side in all competitions.
In the 2002 season, Bahia became a first team regular after Manager Lula Pereira gave him more playing time. After the sacking of Pereira, Bahia continued to remain in the first team under the new management of Evaristo de Macedo. At the end of the 2002 season, he went on to make 24 appearances in all competitions.
In the 2003 season, Bahia continued to be in the first team by new manager Oswaldo de Oliveira. On 30 March 2003, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Coritiba. Bahia then spent the rest of the year, establishing himself in the centre–back position for the side. At the end of the 2003 season, he went on to make 35 appearances and scoring once in all competitions. By November, the club began negotiating with Bahia over a new contract.
Ahead of the 2004 season, Bahia was expected to leave Flamengo, having grown impatient with delays of negotiations. He was sent on loan to Palmeiras for 1.5 months, but returned to his parent club early. It was reported that Bahia was angry with Palmeiras over not playing any games with the team. With his return at Flamengo after the loan period things improved and he fought himself back into the team. On 2 September 2004, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Vitória. However, after returning to Brazil following his signing for Feyenoord, Bahia was disciplined for "a breach of contract" and as punishment, he was told to train just with the fitness coach for several weeks. He was only allowed back into the team when they ran out of central defenders due to injuries and suspensions. Despite this, Flamengo fans had Bahia's backing, even facing his darker days at the club. On the last game of the season against Cruzeiro, Bahia scored a brace for the side, as they beat Cruzeiro 6–2 to avoid relegation in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. At the end of the 2004 season, he went on to make 35 appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

Feyenoord

It was announced on 27 October 2004 that Bahia moved to Netherlands, joining Eredivisie side Feyenoord until the end of the 2004–05 season, and joined the team on 1 January 2005. It came after when he went on the trial with the club two days when he was scouted by the club's director Mark Wotte. Upon joining the club, Bahia was given a number four shirt for the side, Three years after signing for the club, Feyenoord was ordered by Court of Arbitration for Sport to pay Flamengo 67,000 euros.
After the first two months at the club's reserves, Bahia made his Feyenoord debut, where he started the whole game, in a 4–1 win over Roda JC on 18 March 2005. Bahia then scored his first goal for the club on 13 April 2005, in a 4–1 loss against Den Bosch. A week later on 24 April 2005, he scored again, in a 2–0 win over FC Groningen. Two days later, he signed a two–year contract with the club, keeping him until 2007, and it was confirmed on 11 May 2005. Despite losing his first team place, Bahia played five matches and scoring twice during the second half of the 2004–05 season.
In the 2005–06 season, Bahia became a first team regular for the side under the management of Erwin Koeman. Bahia then played in both legs, in which he made his debut in the UEFA Cup against Rapid București, which Feyenoord lost 2–1 on aggregate. It wasn't until on 18 September 2005 when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 5–1 win overHeerenveen. Two months later, on 20 November 2005, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–2 win over Roda JC. On 15 January 2006, Bahia scored his third goal of the season, in a 1–0 win over Vitesse. Throughout the season, Bahia played every league matches until his sending off against rivals’ Ajax in the play-offs round, which saw Feyenoord lost 7–2 on aggregate At the end of the 2005–06 season, he went on to make thirty–seven appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.
In the 2006–07 season, Bahia continued to remain in the first team for the side at the start of the season, playing at centre–back and left–back positions. His first goal then came on 21 September 2006 against SC Veendam in the third round of the KNVB Cup, which saw Feyenoord win 3–2. However, he suffered an concussion during a match against Excelsior after colliding with Serginho Greene, that left him out for three weeks. Bahia then returned to the first team on 19 October 2006 against Basel, where he started the whole game, in a 1–1 draw. On 5 November 2006, he scored his first league goal of the season, in a 2–1 win over Vitesse. In a 3–0 loss against AS Nancy on 30 November 2006, Bahia was at fault when he scored an own goal; and eventually, Feyenoord were banned from European competition following hooliganism prior to and during the match against them. On 30 November 2006, he signed a new contract with the club, keeping him until 2009. His third goal of the season came on 28 January 2007, scoring in a 3–1 win over RKC Waalwijk. At the end of the 2006–07 season, Bahia went on to make thirty–six appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
In the 2007–08 season, Bahia found himself behind the pecking order in the first team after losing place to Kevin Hofland, who was signed from VfL Wolfsburg and Ron Vlaar who formed a partnership in centre defence. However, due to the injury of Vlaar, Bahia returned to the starting lineup for the side. From that on, Bahia became the first team regular for the side for the rest of the season. On 30 January 2008, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw againstAZ Alkmaar. Bahia also added two more goals later in the season, scoring against Heracles Almelo and Willem II. He was involved in the squad for the final of KNVB Cup as Feyenoord were champions by beating Roda JC 2–0, therefore qualified for the UEFA Cup next season. At the end of the 2007–08 season, Bahia went on to make thirty–four appearances and scored three times in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2008–-09 season, his performance from last season sparked interests of Portuguese side Porto, who were keen on signing him. The transfer speculation ended when Bahia signed a contract with the club, keeping him until 2012. It was later confirmed in November 2012. Bahia started the season well when he scored the opening goal of the season, in a 3–1 loss against Heracles Almelo. Then, on 28 September 2008, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–1 loss against FC Groningen. Since the start of the season, Bahia continued to regain his first team place for the side. Despite being sidelined on three occasions later in the season, At the end of the 2008–09 season, Bahia went on to make 42 appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
In the 2009–10 season, Bahia started the season well when he helped Feyenoord kept four clean sheets in a row. He continued to remain in the first team for the side, where he formed a central partnership with the returning Vlaar. Bahia then scored his first goal of the season against Sparta Rotterdam in a 2–1 loss on 18 October 2009. Nine days later, on 27 October 2009, he scored again in the third round of the KNVB Cup, in a 2–0 win over Den Bosch. On 28 February 2010, Bahia scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–2 win over FC Groningen. He then set up a goal for veteran striker Roy Makaay to score a winner against Vitesse in a 2–1 win on 31 March 2010. On the last game of the season against SC Heerenveen, Bahia scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 6–2 win. Bahia then played in both legs of KNVB Cup Final against rivals' Ajax, as Feyenoord lost 6–1 on aggregate. Despite missing out three matches during the 2009–10 season, Bahia went on to make thirty–eight appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.
In the 2010–11 season, Bahia made the first two appearance for the club before suffering a knee injury. After returning to full training, he returned to the first team from injury, where he started the game before being substituted in the 71st minutes, in a 2–0 loss against NAC Breda on 12 September 2010. In a follow–up against rivals' Ajax on 19 September 2010, Bahia scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss. During the match, Bahia was involved in an incident after he elbowed Luis Suárez and was booked as a result; after the match, no action was taken against him. He later reflected that playing with Luis Suárez was the most troubling striker he played with. Bahia (along with Tim de Cler and Stefan de Vrij was in the defence squad, as they conceded ten goals, in a 10 –0 loss to PSV, the club's heaviest defeat ever, on 24 October 2010. In a follow up match against VVV-Venlo on 27 October 2010, Bahia scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–0 win. His performance was subjected of criticism, which Bahia acknowledged to Metro: "As an excuse for the poor performances it's often said the team is young and therefore prone to making mistakes. When you keep hearing that excuse, the incentive of having to perform fades." Bahia also received criticism from Willem van Hanegem for his performance and was responsible for making teammates more nervous and facing pressure. In March 2011, Bahia was linked with a move to Russian side Terek Grozny; in which it was denied by him. Following this, Bahia spent the rest of the season on the substitute bench, as Manager Mario Been preferred to use de Vrij and Vlaar in the centre–back positions. At the end of the 2010–11 season, Bahia went on to make twenty–one appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
At the end of the season, it announced on the club's website that Bahia has given a free transfer, allowing him to leave the club. It was revealed that should Bahia have stayed at Feyenoord for the 2011–12 season, he would have been behind the pecking order in the first team, placing on the substitute bench.

Samsunspor

On 4 July 2011, he moved to Turkish Süper Lig side Samsunspor after seven-year spell in Feyenoord, signing a three–year contract. Upon joining the club, he told Feyenoord's official website that "he admits he is sorry to be leaving and says sorely miss this club and this city" and said about the new move, quoting: "It will take time to get used to being Samsunspor after all those years at Feyenoord".
Bahia made his debut in the Samsunspor shirt, starting the whole game, in a 3–2 win over Gençlerbirliği on 10 September 2011. Since joining the club, he quickly became a first team regular for the side, establishing himself in the centre–back position. During the season, he also played out in either left–back and defensive–midfield positions. However, on the last game of the season against Sivasspor, Bahia started the match, as Samunspor lost 2–1 and was relegated to the TFF First League next season. At the end of the 2011–12 season, he finished his first season at the club, making 31 appearances in all competitions.
At the start of the 2012–13 season, Andre left Samsunspor by mutual consent after one season. His release was explained as Andre sued the club over allegedly owing him four months of unpaid wages. Shortly after, he spoke out about his life and playing in Turkey.

Botafogo

After being released by Samsunspor, Bahia returned to Brazil by joining Botafogo on trial, with a view of permanent contract. Following the trial, Botafogo confirmed their interests in signing him in late–December. The move was later confirmed on 28 January 2013, as Bahia signed for the side on a one–year contract. Upon joining the club, he was presented by the side at the press conference. Then, on 9 May 2013, he signed a contract with the club, keeping him until the end of the year.
Bahia made his Botafogo debut on 29 May 2013, coming on as a late substitute, in a 2–1 win over Santos. Then, on 10 August 2013, he made his first start, playing the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against Goiás. Bahia made three more starts for the side towards the end of the season. In his first season at Botafogo, Bahia made eleven appearance for the club, having spent the most of the season on the substitute bench. At the end of the 2013 season, Bahia had his contract renewed with Botafogo. During the 2013 season, he was part of the squad that saw Botafogo win the Campeonato Carioca.
In the 2014 season, Bahia continued to start his season at Botafogo on the substitute bench in a number of matches. It wasn't until on 22 May 2014 when he made his first league appearances of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Grêmio. Bahia then received a handful of first team appearances throughout May following an absent of Dória but returned to the substitute bench at the beginning of July. Bahia then returned to the starting line-up on 17 August 2014 against Fluminense, in a 2–0 win. Following this, he was subjected of a transfer move to Fluminese but the move was no success and Bahia stayed at Botafogo. Since returning to the starting line-up, Bahia received a handful of first team appearances for the side following the departure of Dória. It wasn't until on 11 September 2014 when Bahia scored his first goal for Botafogo, in a 4–2 loss against São Paulo. Despite being sidelined on two occasions later in the 2014 season, Bahia went on to make 26 appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
At the end of the 2014 season, it was announced that Bahia was leaving Botafogo to join an unnamed Japanese club. It came after when Bahia started negotiating with Botafogo to stay or next season despite the club's financial problems. After his move to Japan, Bahia made a farewell speech to Botafogo's supporters and felt moving abroad was something he can't turn down.

Shonan Bellmare

It was announced on 19 December 2014 that Bahia left Brazil for Japan to join J1 League side Shonan Bellmare, signing a two–year contract. Upon joining the club, he was given a number four shirt for the side. He moved to Japan, where his former Feyenoord teammates, Shinji Ono and Ryo Miyaichi are from.
Bahia made his Shonan Bellmare debut, where he started the whole game, in a 3–1 loss against Urawa Red Diamonds in the opening game of the season. Since making his debut for the club, Bahia quickly became a first team regular for the side. Between on 10 May 2015 and 30 May 2015, Bahia helped the side earning three clean sheets following two wins and one draw. Throughout the season, Bahia's performance in the number of matches helped the side earned eighth place in the table. In the September 2015 interview with WEB magazine, Bahia spoke out the playing style in Japan. Despite being sidelined towards the end of the 2015 season, he finished the season at Shonan Bellmare, making 32 appearances in all competitions. He was named the club's MVP of the season.
In the 2016 season, Bahia continued to feature in the first team as centre–back position for the second time this season. He then helped the side earn the first two wins with clean sheets against Yokohama F. Marinos and Sagan Tosu. It wasn't until on 9 July 2016 when Bahia scored his first goal for the club, in a 1–0 win over Albirex Niigata. His performance against Albirex Niigata earned him a spot for the Best Eleven in Matchday 2 of the League Second Stage. Then, on 30 July 2016, he scored again, which was his second goal for the club, in a 3–2 loss against Kawasaki Frontale. For the rest of the 2016 season, Bahia continued to regain his place, as Shonan Bellmore were relegated to J2 League. At the end of the 2016 season, he went on to make thirty–five appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
In the 2017 season, Bahia featured in the first team as centre–back position, starting the season well, going the first five league matches without defeat in the J2 League. However, in a 1–0 loss against Oita Trinita on 22 April 2017, he was sent–off for second bookable offence, receiving a red card at the last minute. After returning to the first team from suspension, Bahia then played a role when he assisted Naoki Yamada to score the winning goal against Matsumoto Yamaga. Between 10 June 2017 to 25 June 2017, he helped the side earn three clean sheets, all of them were wins for Shonan Bellmore. Then on 16 July 2017, Bahia scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–0 win over Tokyo Verdy. Between 16 August 2017 and 26 August 2017, he, again, helped the side earn three clean sheets, two of them were wins for Shonan Bellmore. Bahia then scored two goals between 9 September 2017 and 16 September 2017 against Kamatamare Sanuki and Renofa Yamaguchi. He then helped Shonan Bellmore win promotion back to J.League 1 after a 1–1 draw against Zweigen Kanazawa on 29 October 2017. At the end of the 2017 season, Bahia went on to make thirty–nine appearances and scoring four times in all competitions. For his performance, he was named J.League 2 Best XI, along with Yota Akimoto.
At the start of the 2018 season, Bahia set up a goal for Temma Matsuda, who scored an equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Kawasaki Frontale on 2 March 2018. He continued to regain his first team place in the first half of the season. However, Bahia soon found himself out of the first team, having appeared on the substitute bench. On 9 May 2018, he scored his first goal of the season, in a 4–3 win over Vissel Kobe in the Group Stage of the J.League Cup. Although he appeared in the first team occasionally, Bahia continued to remain in the sidelined for the rest of the season. At the end of the 2018 season, he went on to make seventeen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
It was announced on 10 January 2019 that Bahia's contract with Shonan Bellmare was not renewed and left the club.

International career

In 2000, Bahia was called up by Mário Zagallo to represent Brazil at the under 20 level, and some point, he even became the captain of this team. Three years, Bahia was then called up to the Brazil again but this time, it was at the under 23 level.
After five years at Netherlands since joining Feyenoord, Bahia was granted a Netherlands citizenship. After gaining a Netherlands citizenship, Bahia said he was open to play for the national team.

Club statistics

Updated to 23 February 2018.
Statistics accurate as of last match played on 1 March 2015.

Personal life

In addition to speaking Portuguese, Bahia speaks Dutch, which he learned from during his time at Feyenoord. Since moving to Japan, Bahia spoke out his life in the country, having taking an interest there.
Bahia is married to his wife Tatiana and together, they have two children, David and Caio. During his time at Shonan Bellmare, he earned a nickname by the club: Tetsuyoroitoshi.

Honours

;Flamengo
;Feyenoord
;Botafogo
;Shonan Bellmore