Luisão
Encyclopedia
Ânderson Luís da Silva aka Luisão (literally "Big Luís"), is a Brazil
ian footballer who plays for S.L. Benfica in Portugal
, as a central defender.
Most of his professional career was spent with Benfica, for which he appeared in more than 300 official games, winning seven major titles.
A Brazilian international
on more than 40 occasions, Luisão appeared for the country in two World Cups
and three Copa América
tournaments.
and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube
in his country, scoring a career-best six goals in 24 matches in his third season with the latter.
, signing with S.L. Benfica of Portugal
for £
890,000. He faced a tough period of adaptation, during which he performed somewhat below his capabilities and even considered traveling back to his home country. He did manage, however, to score in his league debut, a thrilling 3–3 home draw against C.F. Os Belenenses on 14 September. He ended his first season with the Portuguese Cup
conquest, helping defeat F.C. Porto 2–1.
In 2004–05, Luisão featured regularly in Benfica's central defense, alongside Ricardo Rocha
, appearing 29 times and contributing heavily for the Reds first league title in 11 years: on 24 April 2005, in a 2–1 away victory over G.D. Estoril-Praia, he scored his first goal of the season, the game's equaliser. On 14 May, he found the net with his head against city rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal, scoring the game's only goal and ousting the opponents from the title race.
The 2005–06 season finished without silverware for Benfica, with Luisão again as an automatic first-choice. The team, however, reached the season's UEFA Champions League
quarterfinals, with the defender playing all the matches and minutes in the competition: on 21 February 2006, he scored in Benfica's 1–0 home win against holders Liverpool
, which had lost just one of 13 European games the previous year, and five of 41 away from home. He also started in the second leg, a 2–0 win at Anfield
.
In 2006–07, Luisão was named club captain in some matches, due to injuries to Nuno Gomes
and Petit
, but the club again failed to secure any major honours. At the end of the season, his agent said, "Luisão wants to leave", but he eventually stayed.
During the following season, in January 2008, Luisão was involved in an on-field argument with Greek
teammate Kostas Katsouranis
, during a league match against Vitória de Setúbal
. The argument arose after Katsouranis' misplaced pass, which forced the Brazilian to commit a foul in order to stop play, after receiving a yellow card, Luisão critizised Katsouranis, who responded in a similar manner. The two players were on the point of breaking into violence before teammates separated them. Both players were then quickly substituted and given suspensions by the club, and later apologised to each other. Again, he dealt with some injuries and inconsistent play, also addressing rumours of another possible move.
Luisão's start to the 2008–09 season got off in scoring fashion, grabbing a goal in the 59th minute of the UEFA Cup first round match at S.S.C. Napoli
, in a 2–3 loss. It was his first game of the season in European competitions
, and his first goal of the season in all competitions. In the following season, he would enjoy his best season as a professional, appearing in a total of 45 official matches (4050 minutes, with six goals), as Benfica won the league and renewed its Portuguese League Cup supremacy, also reaching the last eight in the Europa League.
On 28 August 2010, Luisão scored - through a header - against Setúbal at home, as 10-men Benfica eventually won it 3–0. On 14 September, he entered the Champions League's history books, after opening the scoresheet against Israel
i side Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C. in the competition's group stage.
in July 2001. He represented the nation in its 2004 Copa América win, playing in all six matches, including a 1–2 loss against Paraguay
where he was team captain, and the final against Argentina
where the scored his first international goal.
In the next year, Luisão was named in the Brazilian squad for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
, but did not play a single second, meeting the same fate in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
.
After the World Cup, when Brazil hired Dunga
as the new coach, Luisão began to play more often. He was summoned for the 2009 Confederations Cup
, playing in four of Brazil's five matches, including the 1–0 victory over South Africa
in the semifinals, and the 3–2 win against the United States
in the final
, partnering with FC Bayern Munich
's Lúcio
.
Again as a reserve player, Luisão was selected for the 2010 World Cup
in South Africa
, after a solid club season, being an unused squad member as Brazil exited in the quarterfinals.
and Andrei Silva, are also footballers, and defenders.
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian footballer who plays for S.L. Benfica in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, as a central defender.
Most of his professional career was spent with Benfica, for which he appeared in more than 300 official games, winning seven major titles.
A Brazilian international
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
on more than 40 occasions, Luisão appeared for the country in two World Cups
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
and three Copa América
Copa América
The Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
tournaments.
Brazil
Born in Amparo, São Paulo, Luisão represented Clube Atlético JuventusClube Atlético Juventus
The Clube Atlético Juventus , usually known simply as Juventus, is a Brazilian football club based in Mooca, a São Paulo neighborhood...
and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube
Cruzeiro Esporte Clube is a Brazilian football team, from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and are one of the only five clubs to have never been relegated, along with Santos, São Paulo, Flamengo and Internacional. Founded on January 2, 1921, they are only one of three clubs to have participated in...
in his country, scoring a career-best six goals in 24 matches in his third season with the latter.
Benfica
In the 2003 summer, Luisão's moved to EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, signing with S.L. Benfica of Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
for £
Pound sign
The pound sign is the symbol for the pound sterling—the currency of the United Kingdom . The same symbol is used for similarly named currencies in some other countries and territories, such as the Irish pound, Gibraltar pound, Australian pound and the Italian lira...
890,000. He faced a tough period of adaptation, during which he performed somewhat below his capabilities and even considered traveling back to his home country. He did manage, however, to score in his league debut, a thrilling 3–3 home draw against C.F. Os Belenenses on 14 September. He ended his first season with the Portuguese Cup
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
conquest, helping defeat F.C. Porto 2–1.
In 2004–05, Luisão featured regularly in Benfica's central defense, alongside Ricardo Rocha
Ricardo Rocha (Portuguese footballer)
Ricardo Sérgio Rocha Azevedo is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Portsmouth in the Football League Championship, as a defender.-Portugal:Rocha was born in Santo Tirso, Porto District...
, appearing 29 times and contributing heavily for the Reds first league title in 11 years: on 24 April 2005, in a 2–1 away victory over G.D. Estoril-Praia, he scored his first goal of the season, the game's equaliser. On 14 May, he found the net with his head against city rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal, scoring the game's only goal and ousting the opponents from the title race.
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
quarterfinals, with the defender playing all the matches and minutes in the competition: on 21 February 2006, he scored in Benfica's 1–0 home win against holders Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
, which had lost just one of 13 European games the previous year, and five of 41 away from home. He also started in the second leg, a 2–0 win at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
.
In 2006–07, Luisão was named club captain in some matches, due to injuries to Nuno Gomes
Nuno Gomes
Nuno Miguel Soares Pereira Ribeiro , commonly known as Nuno Gomes, is a Portuguese footballer who plays for S.C. Braga as a striker.He was given the nickname Gomes during childhood after F.C...
and Petit
Petit (Portuguese footballer)
Armando Gonçalves Teixeira , commonly known as Petit, is a Portuguese footballer who plays for 1. FC Köln in the German first division, as a defensive midfielder....
, but the club again failed to secure any major honours. At the end of the season, his agent said, "Luisão wants to leave", but he eventually stayed.
During the following season, in January 2008, Luisão was involved in an on-field argument with Greek
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
teammate Kostas Katsouranis
Kostas Katsouranis
Konstantinos "Kostas" Katsouranis is a Greek footballer who currently plays for Panathinaikos FC and the Greek national team as a defensive midfielder.-Panachaiki:...
, during a league match against Vitória de Setúbal
Vitória F.C.
Vitória Futebol Clube is a Portuguese sports club from the city of Setúbal. Popularly known as Vitória de Setúbal with the motto "A Vitória será nossa" .- Domestic :*Portuguese Liga: Runners-up 1971–72...
. The argument arose after Katsouranis' misplaced pass, which forced the Brazilian to commit a foul in order to stop play, after receiving a yellow card, Luisão critizised Katsouranis, who responded in a similar manner. The two players were on the point of breaking into violence before teammates separated them. Both players were then quickly substituted and given suspensions by the club, and later apologised to each other. Again, he dealt with some injuries and inconsistent play, also addressing rumours of another possible move.
Luisão's start to the 2008–09 season got off in scoring fashion, grabbing a goal in the 59th minute of the UEFA Cup first round match at S.S.C. Napoli
S.S.C. Napoli
Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, commonly referred to as Napoli, is a professional Italian football club based in Naples and founded in 1926. The club has spent most of its history in Serie A, where it currently plays its 2011–12 season....
, in a 2–3 loss. It was his first game of the season in European competitions
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
, and his first goal of the season in all competitions. In the following season, he would enjoy his best season as a professional, appearing in a total of 45 official matches (4050 minutes, with six goals), as Benfica won the league and renewed its Portuguese League Cup supremacy, also reaching the last eight in the Europa League.
On 28 August 2010, Luisão scored - through a header - against Setúbal at home, as 10-men Benfica eventually won it 3–0. On 14 September, he entered the Champions League's history books, after opening the scoresheet against Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i side Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C. in the competition's group stage.
International career
Luisão made his debut for BrazilBrazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
in July 2001. He represented the nation in its 2004 Copa América win, playing in all six matches, including a 1–2 loss against Paraguay
Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
where he was team captain, and the final against Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
where the scored his first international goal.
In the next year, Luisão was named in the Brazilian squad for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place playoff:-Final:-Awards:-Goal scorers:5 goals Adriano4 goals Luciano Figueroa John Aloisi Michael Ballack...
, but did not play a single second, meeting the same fate in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
.
After the World Cup, when Brazil hired Dunga
Dunga
Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri , commonly known as Dunga , is a former Brazilian football defensive midfielder and a World Champion for Brazil in the 1994 World Cup...
as the new coach, Luisão began to play more often. He was summoned for the 2009 Confederations Cup
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the eighth Confederations Cup, and was held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009 as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The draw was held on 22 November 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The opening match was played at Ellis Park...
, playing in four of Brazil's five matches, including the 1–0 victory over South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
in the semifinals, and the 3–2 win against the United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
in the final
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final was a football match to determine the winners of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. The match was held at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 28 June 2009 and was contested by the United States and Brazil. Despite being two goals down at half-time,...
, partnering with FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups....
's Lúcio
Lúcio
Lucimar Ferreira da Silva , commonly known as Lúcio, is a World Cup-winning Brazilian footballer who plays for Italian Serie A club Inter and the Brazil national team. He is a strong defender with good aerial play, who adds presence in the attack.Lúcio began his professional career in 1997, in one...
.
Again as a reserve player, Luisão was selected for the 2010 World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, after a solid club season, being an unused squad member as Brazil exited in the quarterfinals.
Club
- CruzeiroCruzeiro Esporte ClubeCruzeiro Esporte Clube is a Brazilian football team, from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, and are one of the only five clubs to have never been relegated, along with Santos, São Paulo, Flamengo and Internacional. Founded on January 2, 1921, they are only one of three clubs to have participated in...
:- Sul-Minas CupCopa Sul-MinasCopa Sul-Minas was a Brazilian football competition contested between South region and Minas Gerais state teams.From 2000 to 2002, the Copa Sul-Minas champions granted qualification to the Copa dos Campeões....
: 2002 - Minas Gerais State LeagueCampeonato MineiroCampeonato Mineiro is the state football league of the state of Minas Gerais and is controlled by the Minas Gerais Football Federation FMF ....
: 2003 - Brazilian LeagueCopa do BrasilThe Copa Kia do Brasil, commonly known as Copa do Brasil , is a knockout competition played by 64 association football teams, representing all 26 Brazilian states plus the Federal District...
: 2003
- Sul-Minas Cup
- Benfica:
- Portuguese League: 2004–05, 2009–10
- Portuguese CupTaça de PortugalThe Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
: 2003–04; Runner-up 2004–05 - Portuguese League Cup: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–112010–11 Taça da LigaThe 2010–11 Taça da Liga was the fourth edition of the portuguese Taça da Liga. The first matches were played on August 8, 2010. The final was scheduled on April 23, 2011 where Benfica beat Paços de Ferreira 2-1, and won their third title. The final was played at the Estadio Cidade de Coimbra,...
- Portuguese Supercup: 2005
Country
- Copa AméricaCopa AméricaThe Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
: 2004 - FIFA Confederations CupFIFA Confederations CupThe FIFA Confederations Cup is an association football tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships , along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, to bring the number of teams...
: 20052005 FIFA Confederations Cup-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place playoff:-Final:-Awards:-Goal scorers:5 goals Adriano4 goals Luciano Figueroa John Aloisi Michael Ballack...
, 20092009 FIFA Confederations CupThe 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the eighth Confederations Cup, and was held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009 as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The draw was held on 22 November 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The opening match was played at Ellis Park...
Club
| Club | League | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| Benfica | Primeira Liga | 2003–04 | 15 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | 4 | 0 | 22 | 4 | ||
| 2004–05 | 29 | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | 9 | 0 | 40 | 2 | ||||
| 2005–06 | 31 | 1 | 3 | 0 | – | 10 | 1 | 44 | 2 | ||||
| 2006–07 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | 10 | 0 | 29 | 2 | ||||
| 2007–08 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 35 | 4 | |||
| 2008–09 | 21 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 33 | 4 | |||
| 2009–10 | 28 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 45 | 6 | |||
| 2010–11 | 23 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 45 | 6 | |||
| 2011–12 2011–12 Primeira Liga -Personnel and kits:Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players and Managers may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.-Managerial changes:-League table:-Positions by round:... |
9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 12 | 1 | |||
| Total | 191 | 19 | 23 | 5 | 15 | 1 | 79 | 6 | 314 | 31 | |||
| Last Update: 24 May 2011 | |||||||||||||
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil Brazil national football team The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the... |
2001 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2004 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2005 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 42 | 3 | |
| Last Update: 7 June 2010 | |||
Personal
Luisão's younger siblings, Alex SilvaAlex Sandro da Silva
Alex Sandro da Silva or simply Alex Silva , is a Brazilian central defender. He currently plays for Flamengo.-Career:He is the younger brother of S.L...
and Andrei Silva, are also footballers, and defenders.