After successfully securing a new head coach, Borneo FC has now turned its attention to strengthening the squad by targeting quality players as preparation for the 2026/2027 season.
The Samarinda-based club, long regarded as a source of pride for local fans, is known for its strong reputation in scouting talented footballers.
The latest buzz suggests that the Pesut Etam’s defensive line may soon receive a boost with the arrival of a powerful Brazilian defender, Iago Mendonca.
Information about Mendonca’s potential move to Segiri Stadium first surfaced from a domestic football transfer monitoring account on Sunday (June 14, 2026).
“Transfer update: Iago Mendonca (26|CB|Brazil) is set to leave Floriana (Malta); Borneo is rumoured to be his next destination,” the account stated.
The transfer speculation quickly sparked enthusiastic responses and positive reactions among Indonesian football supporters online.
Many fans expressed optimism that the tall defender would continue the successful tradition of foreign signings brought in by Borneo FC’s scouting team.
“When it comes to foreign players, Borneo never disappoints. Their scouting team is top-notch,” commented one supporter.
“This guy looks fierce,” another fan added.
“His playing style reminds me of Willian Pacheco,” said another user.
Some supporters also reminded the public not to underestimate the Maltese league, noting that previous players from the same competition had gone on to achieve success with local clubs.
“Don’t look down on the Maltese league; even Caxambu came from there and he’s doing great at Borneo,” one supporter remarked.
“Borneo rarely fails with foreign signings. Hopefully, they can compete strongly in Asia and remain a top contender domestically,” added another fan.
“This isn’t a downgrade—just wait and see. Borneo never fails with their signings, whether defenders, midfielders, or strikers! Don’t just judge him because he played in Malta; watch his progress patiently,” another supporter commented passionately.
Iago Mendonca, born in Brazil on August 16, 1996, stands at an impressive height of 1.95 metres, giving him an ideal physical presence for a defender.
The two-footed player’s main strength lies in his tactical versatility; apart from excelling as a centre-back, he is also capable of operating as a right-back, left-back, or defensive midfielder.
His contract with the Maltese top-flight club Floriana FC began on July 1, 2025, and is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
According to the latest football market data, his current market value is estimated at around Rp6.95 billion.
Mendonca began his football development at the Brazilian elite club Goias before venturing to several local teams across the country.
On the international stage, he has gained experience in three different countries, having played for Blooming Santa Cruz in the Bolivian League, Alverca in the Portuguese League, and Floriana FC in the Maltese League.
During the 2025–2026 season, Mendonca was a dominant presence on the field, recording a total of 39 matches, scoring 3 goals, contributing 1 assist, receiving 10 yellow cards, and accumulating 3,498 minutes of play across all competitions.
Statistics
Floriana: 39 matches, 3 goals, 1 assist, 10 yellow cards, 3,498 minutes played.
Alverca: 10 matches, 2 yellow cards, 430 minutes played.
Patrocinense: 5 matches, 1 assist, 1 yellow card, 300 minutes played.
Vila Nova FC: -
Club Blooming: 2 matches, 1 second yellow card, 1 red card, 72 minutes played.
CRB: 16 matches, 3 yellow cards, 936 minutes played.
Aparecidense: -
Goias: 45 matches, 1 goal, 10 yellow cards, 1 second yellow card, 2,899 minutes played. (*)
