Juninho Pernambucano

The dead-ball specialist who redefined free-kick artistry.

Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior (born 30 January 1975), commonly known as Juninho Pernambucano or simply Juninho, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who was most recently the sporting director of Ligue 1 club Lyon. A dead-ball specialist noted for his bending free kicks, in particular the knuckleball technique which he developed, Juninho has scored the 1st most goals from free kicks (77) and is considered by many to be the greatest free-kick taker of all time.

Quick Facts

Full name: Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior
Height: 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
Born: 30 January 1975
Birthplace: Recife, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfielder
Total caps: 517
Total goals: 133

Lore & Background

Juninho began his professional career in 1993 with Brazilian club Sport Recife. Two years later, he joined Vasco da Gama where he played over 100 matches and won six titles. In 2001, he joined Division 1 side Lyon where he played for the next eight years, winning seven consecutive league titles and scoring 100 goals in 343 official appearances for the club. Following his departure from Lyon in 2009, Juninho played in Qatar with Al-Gharafa and in the United States with New York Red Bulls.

The latter stint was wedged between two spells back at Vasco, where he ultimately retired in 2013. Having made his international debut in 1999, Juninho played 40 games for the Brazil national team and scored six goals. He represented Brazil at the 2001 Copa América and was part of the squad which won the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup before retiring from international football after the 2006 World Cup. From 2013 to 2018, Juninho was a football commentator for Brazilian sports network Rede Globo.

Reader's Guide

Juninho made his international debut on 7 September 1999 in a friendly against Argentina. He played 40 games for Brazil and scored six goals. He represented Brazil at the 2001 Copa América and was part of the squad which won the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. He retired from international football after the 2006 World Cup.

Did You Know?

Juninho scored 44 of his 100 Lyon goals from free kicks.
He was named Player of the Year by the Qatar Football Association in his first season with Al-Gharafa.