FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.07.2008 11:40

Brazilian tradition continues

Berta Brau

Over the past 15 years, the FC Barcelona has consistently had a Brazilian presence and that tradition will continue next term after the club's summer purchase of Daniel Alves from Sevilla.

The arrival of the full-back means that the tradition of having a Brazil-born star in their ranks, that actually began in 1931, will be carried on. The strong relationship between the two grew in 1993 and has continued to this day with fans at Camp Nou being dazzled by the skills of several samba stars strutting their stuff.

Alves, the 28th Brazilian

Alves will be the 28th Brazilian player to appear for the Blaugrana, with 22 already having played in official games for the club. The rest have all been part of th club's youth ranks before moving on.

Romario’s success

I n 1993, Johan Cruyff signed Romario Da Souza and during his first year at the club the striker netted 30 goals and became one of the most iconic players of the decade. His signing marked the start of a 15-year link between Brazil and Barça and every season since then has seen a player from the country in the Barça squad.

14 players in 15 years

Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Thiago Motta, Ronaldinho, Juliano Belletti and Sylvinho, among others, have kept the tradition going as they have all graced the Blaugrana shirt and Alves will now keep it going until 2012 at least, after penning a four-year deal.

Paving the way

In 1931, the first Brazilian's signed for Barcelona when Fausto Dos Santos and Jaguaré Becerra both played. These two were only at the club for once season (1931-32) and it would be another 15 years before another would join.

Evaristo takes the honours

Lucidio Batista moved to Barcelona in 1947-48 and stayed for two seasons some ten years before Evaristo de Macedo signed in 1957. The latter star stayed for five seasons and helped the team to win two league titles (1959 and 1960), two Inter City Fairs Cup (1957 and 1958) and the Copa de España.

Six Brazilians in 30 years

After Evaristo left in 1962 there was another gap before the arrival of Marinho some twelve years later when he signed from Porto Alegre for Rinus Michels team and stayed for two seasons. During the 1970's and 80's Silvio Modesto ‘Bio', Roberto ‘Dinamita', Cleo Inacio Hickmann and Aloisio Pires were the other Brazilians to play for the club.