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Vitorino HiltonBrazilian footballer, central defender
Date of Birth: 13.09.1977
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Brazilian Defender Héliton: A Journey Through European Football
- Swiss Adventure
- French Odyssey
- Recognition and Captaincy
- Marseille Move
- Loss of Form
Brazilian Defender Héliton: A Journey Through European Football
Early CareerHéliton was born on August 13, 1978, in Chapecó, Brazil. He began his football career with Chapecoense before moving to Paraná in 2000. During his time at Paraná, he made 13 appearances and scored one goal.
Swiss Adventure
In 2002, Héliton crossed the Atlantic to join Swiss club Servette. Over three seasons, he made 57 league appearances and six UEFA Cup games.
French Odyssey
In 2004, Héliton embarked on a loan spell at Bastia, debuting in a 1-0 victory over Toulouse. After 14 games, he was purchased by Lens, where he quickly became a first-team regular.
Recognition and Captaincy
Héliton's performances earned him a place on the French Championship's Best XI in 2006. Lens extended his contract until 2011 the following year. In 2008, he briefly missed action due to an abdominal injury but returned to the starting lineup and eventually became Lens' captain.
Marseille Move
On June 12, 2008, Olympique Marseille signed Héliton for a fee of €5 million. He made his Champions League debut against Liverpool on September 16, 2008, which Marseille lost 1-2. His first goal for the club came on April 12, 2009, against Grenoble.
Loss of Form
The arrival of Gabriel Heinze and Souleymane Diawara at Marseille diminished Héliton's playing time. However, injuries to other players allowed him to regain more regular appearances from December onwards.
