Player Profile: Deco

Anderson Luiz de Souza, or Deco, was born 27 years ago in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil. After a short time at the Brazilian football he was brought to Portugal by Benfica but it was in its biggest rival, FC Porto that he succeeds.

Deco went to Porto on the 99/00 season where he quickly found his way to the success. He helped the Dragons to win 2 national titles, 1 UEFA Cup and 1 Champions League.

A remarkable playmaker, Deco naturalized Portuguese in 2003 just before his debut in Portugal’s national team against Brazil. Deco started the match on the bench but played enough to score the goal which gave Portugal their first victory against Brazil since the 1966 World Cup.

After the defeat to Greece at the Euro04, Deco took Rui Costa’s place as the Portuguese playmaker on the competition and he never left the team again. Due to his success in both FC Porto and National Team he was voted the UEFA’s MVP in 2004.

“The Magician”, as he is called in Portugal was transferred to Barcelona in a € 25 millions deal (€ 15 millions plus the rights over Quaresma). There, he already helped the team from Catalonia to win their 1st national title on this century, Now he is helping the Catalan giants on their way to their second European title.

Being a fine playmaker as well as a consistent defensive midfielder, Deco is one of Portugal’s biggest hopes to succeed in Germany. Together with Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and his formers teammates Maniche and Costinha, Deco plays in one of the most skilled midfields in the World.