Brazilian left-back Neto Borges has earned a second chance at Middlesbrough this season, and he has seized the opportunity with both hands, as head coach Kim Hellberg outlines the key factor in this U-turn.

Borges, 30, joined Middlesbrough from French club Clermont Foot in the summer of 2024 for a fee thought to be just shy of £1.5 million, and he was frequently named the club’s regular left-back in his first year on Teesside.

However, former Borough manager Rob Edwards allowed the Brazilian to join Bristol City on loan last season, seemingly ending his career at the Riverside, but he has now earned a second chance with the club, and Hellberg has revealed why.

Kim Hellberg claimed that Neto Borges’ personality was vital in securing a second chance at Middlesbrough.

With Matt Targett leaving Middlesbrough at the end of his loan stay, Finley Munroe moving on loan to Blackpool, and Alex Bangura unable to be trusted due to a slew of injuries, Teesside needed a new left-back this summer.

Luke Ayling can play in that role if necessary, but a more natural fit would be ideal, as Borges returned from his loan at Bristol City and, having never played under Hellberg, was given a fresh start on Teesside.

Following his readmission to the squad, Hellberg explained why the Brazilian was given a second chance, saying: “The guy. “It always comes down to that.”I think I’ve always been honest. When you look at how certain people acquire opportunities,

it is quite straightforward. “If you come back here and want to work every day professionally, do everything right, and strive for continuous improvement.”But what about Neto’s attitude this season? How he is as an individual and how hard he has worked. He understands what is required of him and may grow from it. “He’s been exceptional.”

‘Exceptional’ Neto Borges has prospered for Middlesbrough this season following Kim Hellberg’s U-turn.

Borges has thrived since returning to the Borough side, reminding Riverside fans why he was brought to the club in the first place over a few years ago.

The Brazilian has made almost everyone forget about Matt Targett’s departure, who also thrived during his loan spell with the club last season, starting nine of the club’s 11 Championship games and coming on as a substitute in the other two.

Neto Borges Middlesbrough Championship statistics 2026/27 as of October 21, 2026 (data from FotMob).

Appearances

11

Goals

1

FotMob’s average rating

7.10

Borges has quickly established himself as one of Boro’s key players, and he is consistently one of the first names on the team sheet.

Borges put the ball into his own net against Stoke City, but prodded home from close range late on to hand Boro a crucial 3-2 away victory, with that game summing up the 30-year-old’s character and ability to bounce back quickly from disappointment.

Having gone from outcast under Edwards to a crucial member of the squad under Hellberg, Borges’ character has allowed him a second chance at life in the North East, and if Boro are to achieve anything this season, then the Brazilian will be crucial to those efforts.

Neto Borges could be crucial in Middlesbrough’s push for Premier League promotion

Though Max Arfsten joined Boro in the summer from Columbus Crew for about $7.5 million (£5.6 million), the left-sided player has more often than not found himself behind Borges in the pecking order.

It’s evident that Hellberg holds great regard for the Brazilian, especially following recent statements, and if Borough are to finally end their decade-long wait for a return to the top flight, he will undoubtedly play a key role.

Time will tell if Hellberg’s decision to restore Borges to the Borough team is genuinely justified, but for the time being, it appears to be a brilliant choice.