Juninho Paulista
Brazilian attacking midfielder known for his skill and creativity, particularly beloved at Middlesbrough.
Juninho Paulista, born Osvaldo Giroldo Júnior on 29 January 1973, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He played for Brazilian clubs São Paulo, Vasco da Gama, Palmeiras and Flamengo, as well as Middlesbrough, Atlético Madrid, Celtic and Sydney FC. He made 49 appearances for Brazil between 1995 and 2003, winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup and a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics.
- Role
- Attacking Midfielder
- Club Era at Palmeiras
- 2005
- Major Honour at Palmeiras
- None
- Nickname
- Juninho or Juninho Paulista
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Juninho began his senior career with Ituano in 1990. He transferred to São Paulo in 1993, winning the 1993 Intercontinental Cup. He moved to Middlesbrough in October 1995 for £4.75 million, becoming a fan favorite known as 'TLF' (The Little Fella). He later played for Atlético Madrid, where a broken fibula in 1998 sidelined him for six months. He returned to Middlesbrough for two more spells, helping them win the 2003–04 League Cup. He also played for Celtic, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Sydney FC before retiring in 2008, though he briefly returned as player-president of Ituano in 2010.
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere turned tense during the Copa Libertadores quarter-final clash against Defensor Sporting in May 2007. Palmeiras found themselves trailing 3–0 at half-time in a match that demanded a turnaround. Juninho, known for his tenacity and creative flair, felt he could still influence the game. When coach Ney Franco ordered him off the pitch, the Brazilian midfielder refused to leave, sparking a heated confrontation on the sideline. The argument escalated quickly, with Juninho insulting the manager. This act of defiance led to an immediate termination of his contract, ending his second spell at Flamengo (where he had moved in 2007) and effectively closing the door on his time at Palmeiras. It was a stark contrast to his earlier career highlights, such as scoring for Ituano or winning the Intercontinental Cup with São Paulo.
Reader's Guide
Juninho returned to Brazil in 2005 to play for Palmeiras. He moved to Flamengo in 2007 but never won the trust of coach Ney Franco. In May 2007, his contract was terminated after arguing with and insulting Franco following a 3–0 Copa Libertadores quarter-final defeat to Defensor Sporting.
Did You Know?
- Despite his brilliance, Juninho never won the Premier League Player of the Season award; Alan Shearer claimed the honor in 1996–97.
- A book titled 'The Little Fella: How Middlesbrough Fell in Love With Juninho' was released in 2021.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in the Palmeiras universe
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