DENILSON
Real Betis & Brazil
Full Name: Denilson de Oliveira
Date of Birth: August 24, 1977
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 65 kg
Previous Clubs: São Paulo (Brazil)
Speedy left-footed player in the style of an old-fashioned winger. Claimed his place in the national team during 1997 Copa America. Made his first team debut at Sao Paulo at the age of 17 and joined Spain's Real Betis for a then world record $35 million fee after France '98. His scintillating form at Sao Paulo in his native Brazil deserted him during the Spanish season to the extent that he was even briefly dropped, Denilson blaming the pressure of the price tag put on him for his poor start to his career in Seville.
Went several months without finding the net but in the second half of the season started to recapture the form he showed when playing in his native Brazil. Says he will not consider a move within Spain when the time comes for him to leave the Seville-based club. Says Denilson: "The majority of footballers have their dreams and mine is to play in Italy. I don't know exactly when that will be, whether it will be within a year or in three years' time, but that's definitely my dream." Played for Brazil in 1995 World Youth Cup where they reached the final before going down 2-0 to Argentina. In November '96, made full international debut for Brazil in 2-0 win over Cameroon. Was a regular in the national team until the eve of the World Cup but was used as a substitute in France, starting only against Norway. His electrifying pace and dribbling ability had fans clamouring for him to start every game alongside Ronaldo.
