Daniel dos Santos da Cruz (born 1 March 2001), known as Daniel Cruz or Daniel Bahia, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Athletico Paranaense.
Born in Salvador, Bahia, Daniel Cruz began his career at hometown side EC Bahia, initially joining their under-14 side. In April 2021, despite having issues regarding a contract renewal, he received his first call-up to the under-23 team which played in the year's Campeonato Baiano.
Daniel Cruz made his senior debut on 4 April 2021, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Atlético de Alagoinhas. It was his only senior appearance for the club, as he was later sent back to the under-20 squad after Bahia could not reach an agreement for his renewal.
On 24 September 2021, Daniel Cruz joined Athletico Paranaense. He made his first team â and Série A â debut on 9 December, replacing Jader late into a 1âÂÂ1 away draw against Sport Recife.
On 12 April 2022, Daniel Cruz moved on loan to Botafogo, being initially assigned to the B-team.