Alex Telles: 'For someone who was going to meet Mickey, not bad at all...'

In what will go down as one of the most memorable nights in the club's recent history, Botafogo have secured qualification for the Round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup, stunning the football world by eliminating Atlético Madrid from a group widely dubbed the “Group of Death.”

The Brazilian side, initially dismissed as underdogs in a group that also featured European powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, have now proven their credentials on the international stage.

The reaction from Alex Telles, a key figure in Botafogo’s defensive line and a player with significant European experience, was both heartfelt and sharply pointed. Known for his previous stints with clubs like FC Porto, Manchester United, and Sevilla, the 31-year-old left-back used the moment to reflect on the doubts and mockery that surrounded the team’s participation.

“For someone who was going to meet Mickey, not bad at all to get through the group of death,” he said, referencing the widespread jokes made by both media and fans that Botafogo’s trip to the United States where the expanded Club World Cup is being held would be more about sightseeing than competing. Many commentators sarcastically suggested the squad was headed for a vacation to Disney World rather than a serious challenge for a spot in the knockout rounds.

Telles continued with visible emotion: “This squad deserved it for everything they’ve done and for everything that was said. It’s hard to speak right now. PSG and Atlético Madrid, they respected us more than some of our own people did more than the Brazilian press, and sometimes even more than our own fans. That says a lot.”

The context behind Telles’ remarks is essential. After a promising domestic start, Botafogo endured a turbulent 2023 season, with internal restructuring, injuries, and managerial changes. Their qualification for the Club World Cup was already seen by some as overachievement, and being drawn in the same group as PSG featuring Kylian Mbappé and Atlético Madrid managed by the ever-competitive Diego Simeone only added to the skepticism.

But under the leadership of coach Artur Jorge, Botafogo have shown tactical discipline, grit, and unity. Their defensive organization, anchored by Telles, proved critical against technically superior opposition. The team’s performance was not merely about holding on or relying on luck they played with courage, pressed smartly, and capitalized on their chances.

Botafogo’s victory over Atlético, which sealed their place in the last 16, was emblematic of their run: hard-fought, emotional, and tactically sound. The Spanish side, who entered the match needing only a draw to advance, were stunned by the energy and commitment of the Brazilians, who took the lead in the second half and held on despite late pressure.

Telles’ post-match remarks quickly went viral on Brazilian social media, with many fans apologizing for underestimating the team. His line “For those who were supposedly coming to meet Mickey…” became an instant meme and a rallying cry for Botafogo supporters who had long waited for a moment like this on the international stage.

Looking ahead, Botafogo now face a Round of 16 clash with renewed belief and momentum. Whether they continue their fairy-tale run or not, their journey so far has already marked a turning point for the club one that could redefine how Brazilian teams are viewed in the restructured Club World Cup format.