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DerleiBrazilian footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 14.07.1975
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Dérlei: A Brazilian Forward with an Illustrious Career
- European Success with Porto
- Moscow Adventure
- Loan to Benfica and Treachery
- Later Career and Retirement
- Honors
Dérlei: A Brazilian Forward with an Illustrious Career
Dérlei, known by the mononym that means "little Dérly," is a Brazilian footballer who excelled as a forward. He played primarily for Brazilian lower division clubs like América Natal, Guarani (Campinas), and Madureira.
European Success with Porto
In 2002, Dérlei joined FC Porto and became an integral part of the team that, under José Mourinho's leadership, triumphed in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. He notably scored two goals in the 2003 UEFA Cup final. In 2005, he acquired Portuguese citizenship.
Moscow Adventure
Dérlei's move to FC Dynamo Moscow in January 2005 marked a significant chapter in his career. In his debut season, he finished second in the scoring charts of the Russian Premier League with 13 goals, only behind CSKA Moscow's Dmitri Kirichenko.
Loan to Benfica and Treachery
In February 2007, Dérlei joined Lisbon-based Benfica on loan, a move that angered FC Porto fans, branding him as a traitor. Subsequently, he signed a two-year contract with Sporting Lisbon in June 2007.
Later Career and Retirement
Dérlei left Sporting after the 2008/09 season and briefly contemplated retirement. However, he decided against it and joined Vitória Guimarães on a one-year contract in August 2009. He left the club in late October but played for Madureira again from February 2010 onwards.
Honors
PortoUEFA Champions League: 2003/04
UEFA Cup: 2002/03
Intercontinental Cup: 2004
Primeira Liga: 2002/03, 2003/04
Sporting Lisbon
Taça de Portugal: 2007/08
Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2007, 2008
Individual
Russian Premier League Team of the Year (LWF): 2005 (No. 3)
Trivia
During his time at FC Dynamo Moscow, Dérlei once hurled a water bottle at head coach Yuri Semin after being substituted.
