Juninho Pernambucano

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

Instead, his career highlights include scoring a crucial goal for Ituano in 1993 to save them from relegation during his brief return as player-president in 2010, and winning the Football League Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004.

Reader's Guide

Juninho Pernambucano is a retired Brazilian midfielder known for his free-kick mastery. He played for Sport Recife, Vasco da Gama, Lyon, Al-Gharafa, New York Red Bulls, and returned to Vasco twice before retiring. He won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles with Lyon and multiple trophies with Vasco. He made 40 appearances for Brazil, scoring 6 goals, and was part of the 2005 Confederations Cup-winning squad.

Did You Know?

• Juninho developed the knuckleball free-kick technique, which he began practicing as a 13-year-old.
• He scored 44 of his 100 goals for Lyon from free kicks.
• He played two matches in two different countries on the same day in 1999.
• Juninho was named Player of the Year by the Qatar Football Association in his first season with Al-Gharafa.

The Rise from Ituano to Global Stardom

Juninho began his senior career with Ituano in 1990. In a 1993 Campeonato Paulista match against São Paulo, he scored in an unlikely victory, earning man of the match honors and catching the attention of coach Telê Santana. He transferred to São Paulo that year, winning the 1993 Intercontinental Cup against Milan and the 1994 Copa CONMEBOL. He was voted Rookie of the Year that season and made his Brazil national team debut in February 1995.

The Legend of Teesside and 'The Little Fella'

In October 1995, Juninho signed for Middlesbrough for £4.75 million. At 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in), he was nicknamed 'TLF' or 'The Little Fella' by broadcaster Dave Roberts. He made his debut on 4 November 1995 against Leeds United, setting up the opening goal. Despite Middlesbrough's relegation that season, Juninho came second for the FWA Player of the Year and won the Premier League Player of the Season award, the only time a player from a team finishing outside the top seven has won it. He scored 17 goals in 74 games during his first spell.

Setbacks in Spain and the Birth of 'Paulista'

Juninho moved to Atlético Madrid for £13m but suffered a broken fibula on 1 February 1998 from a tackle by Míchel Salgado, missing the 1998 World Cup. He was loaned back to Middlesbrough in the 1999–2000 season before returning to Atlético as they were relegated. He then loaned to Vasco da Gama, where he played alongside Juninho Pernambucano and adopted the name 'Paulista' for differentiation. He won the 2000 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa Mercosur with Vasco, followed by a brief loan to Flamengo.

International Glory and Enduring Legacy

Juninho returned to Middlesbrough in summer 2002 for £6m, helping them win the 2003–04 Football League Cup. In December 2007, fans voted him Middlesbrough's greatest ever player. He moved to Celtic on a free transfer at the end of 2004, scoring once in a 3–0 win over Hearts but struggling for playing time under Martin O'Neill. After returning to Brazil to play for Palmeiras and Flamengo (where his contract was terminated in May 2007), he joined Sydney FC as their marquee player on 1 August 2007. He retired from professional football in April 2008.