Zé Luiz, a 21-year-old centre-back, has been on loan at América-SP, where he gained more space and was a starter in 17 of the 18 matches, helping the team reach the final of the Segunda Divisão Paulista. He was also named the best centre-back of the competition in a Federação Paulista de Futebol and Sindicato de Atletas de São Paulo award.
The centre-back has a history with Figueirense, having joined the club's youth academy in 2022 and later progressing to the professional team in 2025. However, he has yet to make an official debut for the first team.
Zé Luiz's return to Figueirense training marks a significant development for the club ahead of their Copa Santa Catarina debut.