Portuguese/Brazilian · Aguas Santas, Brazil · Born 27 August 1977Portuguese-Brazilian attacking midfielder who won the Ballon d'Or in 2004 and claimed Champions League titles with both FC Porto and Barcelona.
Anderson Luís de Souza, universally known as Deco, was born on 27 August 1977 in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, and came through the youth ranks of Nacional and Corinthians before moving to Portugal in 1997 at 19 to pursue his professional career, initially with Benfica before stints at smaller clubs Alverca and Salgueiros. His move to Porto in 1999 proved transformative, and under manager José Mourinho from 2002 he developed into one of the finest playmakers in world football. Deco's five-year residency in Portugal made him eligible for Portuguese citizenship, which he obtained in 2002 — a decision that proved controversial in Brazil, where he had never been capped, but one he described as an act of gratitude toward the country that had embraced him. He made his Portugal debut in March 2003, scoring the winning goal against Brazil, the country of his birth, within minutes of coming on as a substitute. Deco inspired Porto's remarkable run to the 2004 Champions League title under Mourinho, being named Man of the Match in the final and winning both the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and UEFA Best Midfielder awards that season — the first of two occasions he would win the latter award with two different clubs. He moved to Barcelona in 2004, where he won a second Champions League title in 2006, again earning Man of the Match honours despite Barcelona's opponents that day, Arsenal, having taken an early lead. Deco went on to play for Chelsea, winning the Premier League, before finishing his career back in Brazil with Fluminense. He earned 75 caps for Portugal across two European Championships and two World Cups, and later became sporting director and general manager of Barcelona, the club where he had enjoyed some of his finest playing days.
Ballon d'Or winner and Champions League victor with Porto and Barcelona
He is one of very few players to win the Champions League with clubs from two different countries.
Did You Know?How They Played
Technical playmaker with exceptional vision, passing range and dribbling ability
Lasting Impact
Creative midfielder who bridged Brazilian flair with European tactical discipline
Career Honours
- Champions League 2x (Porto, Barcelona)
- La Liga 2x
- Primera Liga 2x
- 75 Portugal caps
- Ballon d'Or 2004
- UEFA Best Midfielder 2004
- FIFA World Cup 2006 4th place
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corinthians | 1996–1997 | — | 2 | 1 |
| CSA | 1997–1997 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Benfica | 1997–1998 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Alverca | 1997–1998 | loan | 32 | 12 |
| Salgueiros | 1998–1999 | — | 12 | 2 |
| Porto | 1999–2004 | — | 148 | 32 |
| Barcelona | 2004–2008 | — | 113 | 11 |
| Chelsea | 2008–2010 | — | 43 | 5 |
| Fluminense | 2010–2013 | — | 56 | 2 |
 Portugal | — | — | 75 | 5 |
Portuguese/Brazilian Athletes