Zé Roberto
Brazilian former professional footballer known for his time at Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.
José Roberto da Silva Júnior (born 6 July 1974), commonly known as Zé Roberto, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a left wing-back or as a midfielder. He is most well known for his time with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, as well as Portuguesa, Grêmio and Palmeiras in the Brazilian league. In addition, he is one of the few players to have made over 1,000 career appearances.
Quick Facts
- Tenure years
- 1998–2005
Lore & Background
Zé Roberto joined Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 1998. During his four-year stay, Bayer enjoyed their most successful period at the time, finishing as runners-up in the German Bundesliga on three occasions. He helped Bayer reach the final of the Champions League on 15 May 2002, losing 2–1 to Real Madrid in Glasgow. In four years at the club, Zé Roberto appeared in 113 league matches scoring 16 goals.
Reader's Guide
Zé Roberto's transfer to Bayern Munich was announced after Bayer's victory over Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on 9 April 2002. He joined Bayern Munich in May 2002 for a reported fee of €12 million, signing a three-year deal.
Did You Know?
- Zé Roberto made his debut for Portuguesa and played there for two seasons before joining Real Madrid in January 1997.
- He left Real Madrid later that year to get more playing time and increase his chances of selection for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
- Zé Roberto played for Flamengo before returning to Europe in the summer of 1998, signing for Bayer Leverkusen.
More in Honours, Records & The 'Almost' Legacy
Elsewhere in Bayer Leverkusen
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