David Duarte and Nico Acevedo have emerged as two of Bahia’s most reliable players in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A after recovering from injuries and making physical progress. Both are key figures in Rogério Ceni’s side, with their playing time now comparable to the strongest seasons of their careers.
The pair joined Bahia in December 2022 as part of the first group of signings under the club’s City Football Group ownership. Duarte, 31, has a contract through the end of 2027. The centre-back, initially brought in on loan, earned a permanent move and an extension through his performances. In 2026, he has made 26 league starts, the most of any Bahia defender, and ranks fourth in the squad for Série A minutes, with 2,337.
Duarte’s improved physical indicators include a 20% rise in muscle mass and jump power, a 7% gain in hamstring strength and a 4.8% increase in top speed, which reached 35.84 km/h. He has avoided injury for eight months, with his last problem a muscle strain in February, and has been available for the team 90% of the time in 2026. He said his daily work has helped him feel better, play more consistently and trust his body.
Acevedo has also become a fixture in Bahia’s midfield and has a contract through 2031. The Uruguayan missed almost all of 2024 after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, returning to action in October that year. He has not suffered another injury since and leads Bahia’s squad for league minutes this season, with 2,495.
His physical gains include a 19.4% increase in the maximum distance covered at high speed, to 803 metres, a 7% rise in muscle mass and a 17% improvement in hamstring strength. Acevedo said he was pleased not only to return after a long spell out but also to perform well, adding that his daily commitment at the training centre was important to maintaining his level.
Bahia are due to face Cruzeiro at the Mineirão at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time on Thursday in a direct contest in the 34th round. With five matches remaining in the season, the club’s performance director, Natália Bittencourt, said the staff monitor strength, power and speed to tailor training, improve players’ output and reduce injury risk.
Sources: Globo Esporte.