Soteldo Breaks 402-Day Drought with First Goal for Fluminense

Yeferson Soteldo has marked a significant milestone in his career by scoring his first goal for Fluminense, breaking a 402-day drought. The Venezuelan forward achieved this during a match against his former team, Grêmio, on December 2, 2025.

Soteldo’s Redemption at Grêmio

Playing at the Arena do Grêmio, Soteldo opened the scoring in the 37th round of the Brasileirão. This goal is particularly meaningful, as it ends a long wait for a goal that stretched back to October 26, 2024. On that date, he scored while still playing for Grêmio in a match against Atlético-GO.

A Tough Journey

Since leaving Grêmio, Soteldo experienced a challenging period. He returned to Santos, where he featured in 17 matches without finding the net. His journey led him to Fluminense, where he was signed for around R$ 30 million, acquiring 50% of his economic rights. His contract with the club extends until 2028.

The goal against Grêmio came as a result of a well-orchestrated play. Samuel Xavier set up Lucho Acosta, who assisted Soteldo. The forward capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Tiago Volpi to score. The strike was verified by VAR but ultimately stood as a legitimate goal.

Post-Match Reflections

Following the match, Soteldo expressed relief and shared his thoughts on a “difficult moment” in his career. He highlighted the injuries and challenges he faced throughout the season. “I’m improving, and the coach is instilling confidence in me. I’m happy for the goal,” he remarked.

This first goal for Fluminense could signal a turning point for Soteldo at the Laranjeiras. His redemption not only boosts his confidence but also revitalizes the hopes of Fluminense fans for the remainder of the season.