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 and Flamengo, as well as Middlesbrough, Atlético Madrid, Celtic and Sydney FC. He made 50 appearances for Brazil between 1995 and 2003, winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Quick Facts

Full name: Osvaldo Giroldo Júnior
Born: 22 February 1973
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 1.65 m / 5 ft 5 in
Position: Attacking midfielder
Current club: Brazil (staff)

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, Flamengo, and Sydney FC before retiring in 2008, though he briefly returned as player-president of Ituano in 2010.

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.