José Gomes Edmílson Moraes

José Gomes Edmílson Moraes, known in the world of football as Edmílson, started his footballing career with Sao Paulo, making his debut in 1994. His performances grew in stature until he became a fixture in the centre of the Sao Paolo defence.

In the summer of 2000, Edmílson signed for French club Olympique Lyon where he was an undisputed first choice during four seasons and won three league championship medals. In July 2004 he signed for FC Barcelona.

Luiz Felipe Scolari handed him his international debut with Brazil on 18th July 2000 against Paraguay. Together with Ronaldinho and Belletti he won a World Cup winner's medal in 2002.

Edmílson signed for FC Barcelona in the summer of 2004 and made his league debut in the third game of the season at the Vicente Calderón (Atlético Madrid 1-Barça 1). He was Frank Rijkaard,s first choice defensive midfielder, but was seriously injured on October 3 in a game between Barça and Numancia. The Brazilian tore cruciate ligaments in his right knee and was sidelined for six months. He did not return until the second to last game of the season against Vila-real.

In the 2005-06 season, Edmílson was one of the stars of the Barça side that conquered both the League and Champions League. He played 28 league games and 9 in the Champions League.

CHARACTERISTICS

Edmílson is an extremely skilful central defender who enjoys playing the ball out from defence. He reads the game superbly and uses this ability to make long passes from deep positions. Although he has usually played in defence, he can also play in the defensive midfield holding role.

He is very effective in the air. Thanks to his height (186 centimetres) he is dangerous at dead ball situations in attack and a dominating presence in defence. Although he doesn't score many goals, football fans everywhere remember the fantastic goal he scored against Costa Rica in the 2002 World Cup.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 - Spanish Supercup
2005-06 - Champions League
2005-06 - League
2005-06 - Spanish Supercup
2004-05 - League

Olympique Lyonnais
2003-04 - French League
2002-03 - French League
2002-03 - Champions Trophy
2001-02 - French League
2001-02 - Champions Trophy

Sao Paulo
1999-00 - Paulista Championship
1997-98 - Paulista Championship
1993-94 - Conmebol Cup

Brazilian National Team
2001-02 - World Champion