Rivaldo

Rivaldo Vitor Borba Ferreira, better known in the soccer ground as just Rivaldo is a Brazilian soccer star, who was born April 19, 1972 in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. He has become a recognized and multidisciplinary player; he is completely able to play as a midfielder and as a forward. He currently plays for the Greek soccer club Olympiacos, form the Alpha Ethniki league.

In 2002 FIFA World Cup, he became part of the winning team and was honored as World and European Footballer of the Year in1999. During his youth he participated in several clubs such as Santa Cruz FC during the years 1989 up to 1991. He comes from a humble and extremely poor upbringing; he actually lived in the favelas of the port town of Recife.

The previous clubs where he played previously are: Paulista, Santa Cruz, Mogi Mirim, Corinthians, Palmeiras, Deportivo La Coruña, Barcelona, Milan, and Cruzeiro. His international debut was in December 1993 in a match versus Mexico. Rivaldo has participated in these two World Cups: France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002.

His brilliant career and his professionalism have granted him a bunch of great honors, such as Confederations Cup in 1997, Copa America 1999, and FIFA World Cup in 2002. Other great moments he has lived are: the European Supercup (1998, 2003), UEFA Champions League (2003). The list of his triumphs is vast, and it is important to mention that Rivaldo has always been recognized by his sympathy and modesty. 

This year, in July, Rivaldo announced that the upcoming season (2006-2007) will be his last with Olympiacos in Europe. He assured that he yearns being closer to his family, specially his son, who has had little opportunities to see him play up-close.