Derek Freitas Ribeiro (born 2 December 1997), simply known as Derek, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Náutico .
Career Early career Born in Rio de Janeiro, Derek began his career with the youth sides of Nova Iguaçu. In 2016, after a short period with , he joined the youth categories of Fluminense.
Derek moved to Artsul ahead of the 2017 season, and made his senior debut on 17 June of that year, in a 2–0 Campeonato Carioca Série B1 home win over . He scored his first senior goals on 19 August, netting a brace in a 4–2 away win over Barra Mansa.
In November 2017, Derek signed for Madureira. He was mainly a backup option during his spell at the club.
Metalist 1925 Kharkiv On 25 October 2019, Derek moved abroad and signed a contract with Ukrainian First League side Metalist 1925 Kharkiv. He made his debut for the club the following day, starting and scoring his team's third in a 4–2 away win over Kremin Kremenchuk.
Derek was a regular starter for Metalist in the 2020–21 season, as they achieved a first-ever promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League. He left the country in March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine started.
Chapecoense On 1 April 2022, Derek was announced at Série B side Chapecoense on loan. He scored on his club debut eight days later, netting a last-minute equalizer in a 1–1 home draw against Ituano.
On 1 July 2022, Metalist announced the departure of Derek after his contract expired; he subsequently joined Chape permanently. On 18 November, after 22 matches, he announced his departure from the club.
Guarani On 14 December 2022, Derek agreed to a contract with fellow second division side Guarani. After being rarely used during the 2023 Campeonato Paulista due to injuries, he became the top scorer of Bugre during the 2023 Série B with 10 goals.
JEF United Chiba On 29 December 2024, Derek was abroad to Japan for the first time and loan transfer to J2 club, JEF United Chiba from 2025 season.
Career statistics Club . +Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueState LeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsArtsul2017Carioca Série B1—123—123Madureira2018Série D306110—1012019Carioca—40—40Total3022410—264Metalist 1925 Kharkiv2019–20Ukrainian First League147—1472020–21215—2152021–22Ukrainian Premier League00—00Total3512—3512Chapecoense2022Série B221—221Guarani2023Série B341040—381020240070—70Total5611110—6711Atlético Goianiense2024Série A253—30—283Total253–30—283JEF United Chiba2025J2 League00–0000—00Total00–0000—00Career total119263344000000015630
References
External links
Profile on Metalist 1925 Kharkiv official website