| Heavily left-footed attacking midfielder with silky skills. Outstanding from anywhere in the opposition penalty area. Signed for Barcelona just before the first match of the 1997 season from Deportivo Coruna for four billion pesetas ($26.7 million). Scored 21 goals in his 41 matches for Deportivo after moving from Brazilian club Palmeiras. In a little over three seasons at Barcelona has blossomed into arguably the best footballer in the world. Scored nineteen goals in his debut season, leading Barcelona to a league and cup double -- the club's first for 29 years. Has battled to convince Brazilian critics that he is as good for the national team as he is for his Spanish club, Barcelona. Was made the scapegoat for Brazil's failure to win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, when he was included as an over-age player. One of the few players to shine for Brazil in their 1998 World Cup campaign in France. Has a superstition of stepping onto the field with the right foot, believing it gives him luck. Chosen as FIFA's world player of the year for 1999. Guided Brazil to the Copa America and Barcelona to the Spanish league title and was also named European Player of the Year and world player of the year by readers of World Soccer magazine. |
Brazil