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{{Short description|Footballer (born 1977)}}
: ''This article is about the football player. You may be looking for ].''
{{About|the football player}}
{{Football player infobox
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
| playername= Deco
{{BLP sources|date=September 2022}}
| image =
{{Infobox football biography
| fullname = Anderson Luiz de Sousa
| image = Deco com o Fluminense em 2013 (cropped).jpg
| nickname = Art de Deco<br />Deco<br />
| caption = Deco playing for ] in 2013
| dateofbirth = ], ]
| fullname = Anderson Luís de Souza<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Portugal |publisher=FIFA |page=22 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>
| cityofbirth = ]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1977|8|27}}<ref name="fluminense profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.fluminense.com.br/site/futebol/o-time/elenco/jogador/deco/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522045203/http://www.fluminense.com.br/site/futebol/o-time/elenco/jogador/deco/ |archive-date=22 May 2012 |title=Fluminense Football Club &#124; Futebol &#124; Deco |publisher=Fluminense.com.br |date=27 August 1977 |access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref>
| countryofbirth = ]
| birth_place = ], Brazil<ref name="FCBProfile"/>
| height = ----
| height = 1.74 m<ref name="FCBProfile">{{cite web|title=Deco|url=http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/catala/futbol/temporada_06-07/plantilla/jugadors/deco.html|language=Catalan|access-date=5 June 2022|publisher=FC Barcelona|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822090102/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/catala/futbol/temporada_06-07/plantilla/jugadors/deco.html|archive-date=22 August 2007 }}</ref>
| currentclub = ]
| position = ]
| clubnumber = 20
| youthyears1 = 1995–1996 | youthclubs1 = ]
| position = ]
| youthyears2 = 1996–1997 | youthclubs2 = ]
| youthyears =
| years1 = 1996–1997 | clubs1 = ] | caps1 = 2 | goals1 = 1
| youthclubs =
| years2 = 1997 | clubs2 = ] | caps2 = 0 | goals2 = 0
| years = ]-]<br>]<br>]-]<br>]-present
| years3 = 1997–1998 | clubs3 = ] | caps3 = 0 | goals3 = 0
| clubs = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]
| years4 = 1997–1998 | clubs4 = → ] (loan) | caps4 = 32 | goals4 = 12
| caps(goals) = 32 (13)<br>9 (2)<br>148 (32)<br>82 (15)
| years5 = 1998–1999 | clubs5 = ] | caps5 = 12 | goals5 = 2
| nationalyears = 2003 – present
| years6 = 1999–2004 | clubs6 = ] | caps6 = 148 | goals6 = 32
| nationalteam = ],
| years7 = 2004–2008 | clubs7 = ] | caps7 = 113 | goals7 = 11
| nationalcaps(goals) = 32 (2)
| years8 = 2008–2010 | clubs8 = ] | caps8 = 43 | goals8 = 5
| pcupdate = 2006
| years9 = 2010–2013 | clubs9 = ] | caps9 = 56 | goals9 = 2
| ntupdate = June 6, 2006
| totalcaps = 406 | totalgoals = 65
| nationalyears1 = 2003–2010 | nationalteam1 = ] | nationalcaps1 = 75 | nationalgoals1 = 5
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's ]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|POR}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|]}}
{{Medal|RU|]|}}
}} }}


'''Anderson Luís de Souza''' {{post-nominals|post-noms=]}} (born 27 August 1977), also known as '''Deco''' ({{IPA|pt|ˈdɛku}}), is a former professional ] who primarily played as an ] or ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2020/05/27/deco-the-understated-master-of-his-time/ |title=AN ODE TO DECO |publisher=footballtimes |date=27 May 2020}}</ref> Born and raised in Brazil, he acquired ] and played for ]. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He currently works as sporting director in ].
'''Anderson Luiz de Sousa''' (born ] ] in ], ]) is a professional ] widely known as '''Deco''' (] ]: ). He plays internationally for ].


Deco is one of the few players to have won the ] with two clubs, with ] in 2004 and ] in 2006. He was named ] and ] Best Midfielder in Porto's Champions League-winning season and was named ] in the ]. Deco was the first player to win the UEFA Best Midfielder Award with two clubs, Porto and Barcelona. He was awarded the ] Golden Ball and the Man of the Match award in the final despite losing to ].
==Arrival in Europe==
Deco arrived at Portugal in ] at the age of 19 from Brazilian club ] to play for ] side ], along with fellow Brazilian player ]. Despite good showings in training, ] decided to loan the player to the ] side ] where he played for a season. Deco performed well and was close to renewing his contract with ] and join the main squad. However, the ] club and the player's representant did not reach an agreement as manager ] did not think that he would develop into a player worth keeping, subsequently Deco was traded to ] side ] in the 98-99 season, playing 12 games and scoring two goals by December, his performances caught the eye of ]'s staff, and during the winter transfer window he was sold to Porto, where he played six more games that season.


Deco received Portuguese ] in 2002 having completed five years of Portuguese residence, and subsequently opted to play internationally for the ]. He earned 75 caps for them, playing at two ] and two ]s, reaching ] of ], and achieving a fourth-place finish at the ].
==FC Porto Years==


==Club career==
His early years at Porto showed him to be a talented playmaker and earned him the nickname "Magico" from the Porto fans for his magical touch. He was known to be a gifted, yet truculent "número dez" (number 10) since he devoted more than usual effort to defensive play than was expected from a playmaker. This made him register almost as many cards as assists and goals scored. His behaviour proved costly to Porto in games where he was either sent off or wasn't "tuned in" with the game. Nevertheless, he was a key figure during the three-year drought in the early 2000s, and was linked with a move to Catalan giants ].
===Early career===
Born in ], Deco spent time at ] as a youngster, competing in the ] for them. In the 1997 edition, ] sent ] to scout the tournament, and he soon noticed Deco, recommending his signing.<ref name=MF>{{cite news|title=Toni descobriu Deco: "Erro histórico do Benfica"|trans-title=Toni, who discovered Deco: "Historical mistake from Benfica"|url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/toni-descobriu-deco-erro-historico-do-benfica|access-date=10 September 2015|work=Maisfutebol|date=26 August 2013|language=pt}}</ref> In June 1997, Benfica purchased his rights from ] and immediately sent him on loan (along with fellow Brazilian Caju) to their ], ].<ref name=MF /><ref>{{cite news|title=Caju reforça FC Porto por troca com Duda|trans-title=Caju joins FC Porto in exchange for Duda|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/caju-reforca-fc-porto-por-troca-com-duda.html|access-date=1 April 2016|work=Record|date=1 February 2000|language=pt}}</ref> After helping them win promotion to the ] in ] by scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances, he returned to Benfica in July 1998. However, he left for ] in exchange for ], who went in the opposite direction.<ref name=MF /> When asked by ] in an interview for '']'' why he did not stay and become a legend at Benfica, Deco said, "Benfica decided, it wasn't my decision. They didn't want me. The coach was ] at the time. I was young and Benfica needed some players."<ref>{{cite web|title=Deco: 'At Chelsea, the players spoke directly to the directors over Scolari. That wasn't good'|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/deco-chelsea-players-spoke-directly-directors-over-scolari-wasnt-good|website=FourFourTwo|access-date=10 September 2015|date=11 March 2015}}</ref>


At Salgueiros, Deco was plagued by injuries and only made a few appearances, until ] purchased him in March 1999, in time to win the ] title.<ref>{{cite news|title=Deco: "Contestam as nossas vitórias porque têm muita inveja"|trans-title=Deco: "They dispute our wins because they are jealous"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/deco-contestam-as-nossas-vitorias-porque-tem-muita-inveja.html|access-date=1 April 2016|work=Record|date=25 June 1999|language=pt}}</ref> His release from Benfica and subsequent success with Porto was considered by ] as an "historical mistake", while Toni stated he saw in Deco, a successor for ] the club needed since his departure.<ref name=MF />
==Success==
Under the guidance of ], Deco was given the role of leading an ambitious Porto team. A key figure in the 2002-03 season, he scored 10 goals in 30 games, but nevertheless got 17 yellow cards and one red card, becoming one of the key players in the 2003 ] ] win over ]. The following year Deco helped Porto recapture the title, and led the ] in assists and fouls suffered, in a run that ended with a ] victory over ] in the Champions League final, where he scored the second goal. His final season at Porto earned him ]'s MVP (Most Valuable Player) award, as well as the award for the best midfielder in the competition.


==National team== ===Porto===
In his first season with Porto, Deco scored a goal after just 30.08 seconds in a 1–0 away win against ] in the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/57101--molde-vs-porto/ |title=Molde 0–1 Porto |website=UEFA |date=15 September 1999 }}</ref>
]
Never called to the 'Escrete' (]), Deco was mentioned several times in the media as an option for the ]. In ], having completed six years of Portuguese residence, he received Portuguese citizenship. After many months of public discussion which split Portuguese public opinion, and despite the opposition of a large number of FC Porto rivals' supporters, he was called up for his first international - ironically against his birth country - played at the ], on ] ]. He played only eight minutes in his debut, but in that time he managed to score the free kick that stunned Brazil, leading to a 2-1 win for Portugal. This was Portugal's first win over Brazil since the {{Wc|1966}}. Since that game, he has been a regular in the national team, despite initial criticism by players such as ]. Even with the criticism, Deco's performance was one the highlights of the Portuguese National Team. He has scored 2 goals in 32 caps for Portugal as of December 2005.


Under the guidance of manager ] in the ], Deco scored 10 goals in 30 matches and received 17 yellow cards and 1 red card. He was one of the key players in Porto's ] final ] win over ] that year. In the ], Deco helped Porto recapture the national title and led the team to the ], in which Porto won 3–0 over ], scoring the second goal of the match. He was the ]'s top ] provider and also suffered the most fouls in the Champions League that season. That season, Deco also won the ] as well as the award for the ] in the competition.
During the 2003-04 season, Deco was the player who had won the most trophies and awards. Deco holds, after winning the UEFA Champions League in 2005-06, more international trophies than the Portuguese superstar ]. Already regarded as one of the world's best midfielders, Deco was one of the reasons Barcelona won the La Liga.


===Barcelona===
] in the 2006–07 season]]
A deal was achieved between Porto and Barcelona the day after the ]. Barcelona agreed on a €15&nbsp;million fee in cash, plus the complete rights of ] to Porto, which tagged Quaresma for €6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/FactosRelevantes/VendaDeco060704.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205172904/http://www.fcporto.pt/IncFCP/PDF/Investor_Relations/FactosRelevantes/VendaDeco060704.pdf|archive-date=5 December 2010|title=FACTO RELEVANTE|publisher=FC Porto|date=6 July 2004|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref>


On 14 May 2005, Deco played in the draw against ], which gave Barcelona their 17th ] title. He also was named Barcelona's player of the season in the ].
==FC Barcelona==
]
On ] ], Deco told a Portuguese radio station that he would almost certainly join ] side ] (then coached by ]) following {{Ec2|2004}}. He said that a transfer deal between FC Porto and Chelsea had been all but finalized, and that the only remaining steps were passing a physical examination and signing a formal contract with Chelsea.


Deco scored twice in the ], which Barça won.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portugoal.net/Barcelona0607/BarcelonaMR01.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211033243/http://www.portugoal.net/Barcelona0607/DecoCWCAward.htm|archive-date=11 December 2007|first=Sean|last=Gillen|title=Manuel Jose leads Al-Ahly to historic third place finish|publisher=portugoal.net|date=18 December 2006|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref> Deco won the ] yet again for his performance in Barça's ], enabling him to join the exclusive group of players that have won the same award more than once with different teams, having won the Champions League previously with Porto. He was also awarded the ] at the ] and the ] award, despite losing the final to ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portugoal.net/Barcelona0607/DecoCWCAward.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724022428/http://www.portugoal.net/Barcelona0607/BarcelonaMR01.htm|archive-date=24 July 2008|first=Marco|last=Pereira|title=Deco blasts brace as Barcelona win Spanish Supercopa|publisher=portugoal.net|date=21 August 2006|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref>
However, on ] ] he told the Portuguese sports daily '']'' that he would rather move to ] than follow Mourinho, his former coach, to Chelsea. While ] gave up on Deco after the Chelsea deal seemed to have been concluded, it was still uncertain whether the German side would make a new bid. The best offer at that time was ]21M from Barça, but this figure was still 4M short of the request by Porto's board. Portuguese newspapers then reported that Barça would try to offer Portuguese winger ] in part-exchange in order to ease the deal.


===Chelsea===
Finally, a deal was achieved between FC Porto and Barcelona the day after the ] final. Barça agreed on a ]15M fee, plus the complete rights of Ricardo Quaresma. Deco signed a four year deal with the Spanish side on ] ].
] for ] in 2008]]
On 30 June 2008, ] team Chelsea signed Deco from Barcelona on a three-year contract for €10&nbsp;million (£8&nbsp;million).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldsoccer.com/world-soccer-latest/chelsea-sign-deco-262537 |title=Chelsea sign Deco |date=1 July 2008 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=World Soccer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Fraser |first=Peter |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/3759279/chelsea-complete-deco-deal |title=Chelsea complete Deco deal |date=30 June 2008 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref> He was the first signing of new Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was formerly the head coach of the ].


Deco scored on his debut with a 30-yard goal in a 4–0 league victory over ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Goodhart |first=Benjie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/17/premierleague.chelsea |title=Deco inspires imperious Chelsea in Portsmouth rout |date=17 August 2008 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Deco followed up his performance by scoring in his second game for Chelsea, a curling free-kick against ]. These performances led to him winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rutledge |first=Lewis |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/4136299/deco-and-southgate-net-awards |title=Deco and Southgate net awards |date=13 September 2008 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=Sky Sports}}</ref> Deco made his Champions League debut for Chelsea on 16 September. Deco injured himself during a training session, but he returned from the thigh injury on 19 October and came on as a substitute against ]. He was sent off in the 3–1 defeat by ] on 4 November 2008. He then scored a ] against ] on 6 December.
In Barcelona some suggested Deco would be completely eclipsed by Brazilian star ] (a duo that according to ] "can make rain fall"), and although he played more on the midfield than on attacking roles (taking advantage of his tackling ability, which is above-average for an attacking midfielder), he continued to perform well. In ], he came second in ]'s '']'' ] award, losing to ] and beating Ronaldinho by six votes.


Deco eventually lost his place in the ] starting line up, due in part to some poor performances, but also to the sacking of Scolari. In a June interview, Deco said, "I do not want to stay. I have not liked my experience at Chelsea." This was soon followed by ], managed by former Chelsea manager José Mourinho, declaring Inter was attempting to sign Deco along with fellow countryman ], who had also declared his desire to leave and, like Deco, desired to link-up with Mourinho again. Both players previously played under Mourinho at Porto.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/5374893 | title=Deco seeks Blues exit | work=Sky Sports}}</ref> However, Inter club president ] ruled out signing either of the Portuguese internationals on the basis of their age, telling '']'', "Deco and Carvalho? They are two champions but at this time I don't feel there's a need to buy them."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5416894,00.html | work=Sky Sports | title=Inter rule out Chelsea duo | date=6 July 2009}}</ref>
In ] ], Deco played in the draw against ], which gave Barcelona their 17th ] title. In that same season his former FC Porto team-mates ], ] and José Mourinho became English champions at Chelsea. Perhaps ironically, it was Chelsea who knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League earlier that season although in the next season, Chelsea was out of the competition; eliminated by Barcelona. This year Deco claims the Champion's league 2005 - 2006


===Fluminense===
He also scored the first goal in Portugal's second group match against Iran.
On 6 August 2010, Deco signed a two-year contract with Brazilian club ] on a free transfer,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2010/08/07/2060454/official-fluminense-sign-deco-on-two-year-contract |title=OFFICIAL: Fluminense Sign Deco On Two-Year Contract |publisher=Goal.com |date=7 August 2010 |access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref> joining former Chelsea and Barcelona teammate ].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/14/juliano-belletti-fluminense-deco-chelsea | location=London | work=The Guardian | title=Juliano Belletti heads for Fluminense from Chelsea and Deco may follow | date=18 July 2010}}</ref> Playing for Fluminense, Deco won the ] in ] and ].


On 26 August 2013, Deco retired, ending a 17-year career. The decision came on the day before his 36th birthday. His final match was four days prior, against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1985711.html|title=Member associations - News – UEFA.com|last=uefa.com|date=26 August 2013}}</ref>
==Honours==
FC Barcelona: Uefa Champions League 2005-06, Spanish La Liga 2005-06, Spanish Supercup 2005-06, Spanish La Liga 2004-05


==International career==
FC Porto: Uefa Champions League 2003-04, Portuguese League 2003-04, Uefa Cup 2002-03, Portuguese League 2002-03, Portuguese Cup 2002-03, Portuguese Supercup 2002-03, Portuguese Cup 2000-01, Portuguese Supercup 2000-01, Portuguese Cup 1999-00, Portuguese League 1998-99, Portuguese Supercup 1998-99
] in 2008]]
Deco was never called up to the ], as the Brazil squad for the ] included other attacking midfielders such as Ronaldinho, ] and ]. After completing six years of residence in Portugal, he was able to gain Portuguese citizenship and play for ]. As none of his great-grandparents, grandparents or parents were Portuguese, under ]'s player eligibility rules his citizenship was the only factor to allow him to play for Portugal. He was subsequently mentioned several times in the media as an option for the Portugal national team.


After many months of public discussion which split Portuguese public opinion, and despite the opposition of a large number of Porto rivals' supporters, he was called up for his first international, coincidentally against Brazil. He came on as a substitute for ] and scored the free-kick which won the match 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/soccer/report?gameId=90940|title=Portugal vs. Brazil - Football Match Report - March 29, 2003 - ESPN|website=ESPNFC.com}}</ref> This was Portugal's first win over Brazil since the ]. Since that match, he became a regular in the national team. Before ], ] criticised Deco's inclusion<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/portugal/3795885.stm | work=BBC News | title=Figo re-ignites Deco row | date=10 June 2004}}</ref> and said, "Se você nasceu chinês, bem, você tem que jogar pela China."
Portugal National Team: Euro 2003-04 Runners-Ups
(English: "If you're born Chinese, well, you have to play for China.") Deco responded, "Eu nasci no Brasil e seria uma mentira dizer que sou português agora e não brasileiro. Mas amo Portugal e adoro jogar pela seleção." (English:"I was born in Brazil and it would be a lie to say that I'm Portuguese now and not Brazilian. But I love Portugal and I love playing for the national team.")


Despite the early criticism, Deco was one of the highlights of the Portugal national team. He scored 5 goals in 75 caps for Portugal by June 2010, when his international career ended after the second-round defeat to Spain at the ].
Individual Awards: 2003-04 Silver Ball(Second position of the Europeon Player of the Year Award), Uefa Champions League MVP 2003-04, Uefa Champions League Best Midfielder 2003-04


===2006 World Cup===
== Facts about Deco ==
In the ], Deco scored the first goal in Portugal's second ] match against ] in the 63rd minute prior to ]'s 80th-minute penalty. During the first knockout stage of the competition, Deco received two yellow cards in ] against the ] with the first given for a rash tackle on ], suspending him from the quarter-final win against ], as he had already picked up a caution in the match with Iran. The win against ] in the quarter-final stage led to Portugal's defeat in the semi-final, which Deco was able to participate in.
*Deco is currently the only Portuguese player in the Barcelona squad.
*Deco is also one of the few players to win the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs.
*Deco nickname at FC Porto was "Mágico" and "SuperDeco".
*Deco was named man of the match at the ] final.
*Deco tops the ] in the passes category. He finished on top of ]'s ].
*Deco scored the first goal of Barcelona's winning Champions League campaign.
*In most matches, Deco tops the commited fouls list but he also tops the suffered fouls list.
*It took ] 21 million and a player for Barcelona to purchase Deco.
*Deco scored the winning goal on his international debut against Brazil to give Portugal its first victory over Brazil since the ].


== Goals == ===Euro 2008===
On 11 June, Deco scored the opening goal in Portugal's second match of ], a ] clash with the ]. The match ended 3–1 to Portugal, with Deco aiding his team in their passage to the quarter-finals where Portugal's campaign came to an end against ], the eventual runners-up of the tournament.


In February 2010, Deco announced he would be retiring from international football after the ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/8498817.stm |work=BBC News | title=Chelsea's Deco to quit Portugal | date=4 February 2010 | access-date=1 May 2010}}</ref>
(Total goals)


===2010 World Cup===
'''ALVERCA'''
Deco played for Portugal in their opening game against the ]. During the match, he was injured and was ruled out of the remaining two group matches, against ] and Brazil. He was fit again for the round of 16 match against ], but Portugal head coach ] chose ] over him.


Deco retired from international football with 75 caps and 5 goals.
Portugese League: 13 goals


==Style of play==
'''SALGUEIROS'''
As a player, Deco was a versatile, tactically intelligent and creative midfielder with excellent vision and technical ability.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2006/luglio/04/Deco_oro_Scolari_ga_10_060704001.shtml|title=È Deco l' oro di Scolari|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|last1=Boldrini|first1=Stefano|date=4 July 2006|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2004/ottobre/12/Deco_pole_per_premi_paura_ga_10_0410124742.shtml|title=Deco in pole per i premi "Ma ho paura di Sheva"|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|last1=Licari|first1=Fabio|date=12 October 2004|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> A generous and hard-working team-player capable of playing in several midfield positions. He was initially used as a ] under manager José Mourinho during his time with Porto, although he was also capable of playing as an ], as a ] or as a ] on either flank.<ref name="Deco's art dazzles but Germany prevail after Schweinsteiger's masterpiece">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jun/20/euro2008.portugal1|title=Deco's art dazzles but Germany prevail after Schweinsteiger's masterpiece|work=The Guardian|last1=Hytner|first1=David|date=20 June 2008|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> What he lacked in pace as well as physical, defensive and athletic attributes,<ref name="Deco's art dazzles but Germany prevail after Schweinsteiger's masterpiece"/><ref name="Deco: Understated Genius">{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/features/deco-understated-genius|title=Deco: Understated Genius|publisher=FourFourTwo|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044840/http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/features/deco-understated-genius|url-status=dead}}</ref> he made up for in stamina, as well as excellent ball control, ] skills, passing range and ] ability, which allowed him to beat players, find space and create chances for teammates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2000/gennaio/22/Deco_valore_aggiunto_ga_0_0001227091.shtml|title=Deco, il valore aggiunto|website=gazzetta.it|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|last1=De Sà|first1=Manuel Martins|date=22 January 2000|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="Anderson Luis de Souza Deco">{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/history/card/anderson-luis-de-souza-deco |title=Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco' |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=7 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127082859/http://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/history/detail/card/anderson-luis-de-souza-deco |archive-date=27 January 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Deco: The master behind the magic of Barça">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/deco-the-master-behind-the-magic-of-barccedila-478470.html|title=Deco: The master behind the magic of Barça|work=The Independent|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> Deco was an excellent visionary with the ball, who opened up spaces for his teammates through finding passing lanes that no one else saw, and also had a notable ability to switch the tempo of play in rapid style.


A diminutive midfielder,<ref name="penpix">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-world-portugal-penpix/penpix-of-portugals-squad-idUSTRE64K4CY20100521?mod=related&channelName=sportsNews |title=Penpix of Portugal's squad |work=Reuters |date=21 May 2010 |access-date=26 May 2020 }}</ref> in later years, as he lost his acceleration, agility and mobility, he also went through a physical development, which, along with his balance, allowed him to protect the ball against larger opponents. He also contributed offensively with occasional goals due to his accurate mid-range shooting ability,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2004/settembre/15/Deco_Giuly_Larsson_Barca_scatenato_ga_10_0409155401.shtml|title=Deco-Giuly-Larsson Barça scatenato Il Celtic k.o in casa|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|last1=Galavotti|first1=Giancarlo|date=15 September 2004|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> and his adeptness at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2008/agosto/25/classe_Deco_volare_Chelsea_ga_10_080825103.shtml|title=La classe di Deco fa volare il Chelsea|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|last1=Galavotti|first1=Giancarlo|language=it|date=25 August 2008|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> Despite his talent, Deco was also known to be injury-prone and inconsistent at times, and was also accused of drifting in and out of matches. Furthermore, his work-rate and fitness were often brought into question in his later career.<ref name="Deco: Understated Genius"/><ref name="penpix"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/deco-struggles-to-shine-in-blues-rough-diamond-1817293.html|title=Deco struggles to shine in Blues' rough diamond|work=The Independent|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> Deco was also well known for his tendency to commit tactical fouls,<ref name="Anderson Luis de Souza Deco"/> and he was accused of ] throughout his career.<ref name="Deco: The master behind the magic of Barça"/>
Portugese League: 2 goals


==Post-retirement==
'''FCPORTO'''
]
On 16 August 2023, it was announced that Deco would become the sporting director of his former club ] by signing a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/barcelona-deco-sporting-director-e24ad14e2b91fc3828d02b35cfd69b72 |title=Barcelona appoints former playmaker Deco as its new sporting director |publisher=AP News |date=16 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FC Barcelona - Organization Chart |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/fcbarcelona/photo/2023/11/20/82a04935-a6cb-4685-bb71-0273c794a0c5/organigrama_eng.PNG |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=fcbarcelona.com}}</ref>


==Personal life==
Portuguese League: 32 goals
Deco is the brother-in-law of fellow former footballers ] and ]. Deco is an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. He also has a charitable organisation, the Deco Institute, based in the Brazilian city of ], near ], where he grew up.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article5870937.ece | work=The Times | location=London | title=I will show Chelsea the real Deco | first=Nick | last=Szczepanik | date=9 March 2009 | access-date=1 May 2010 | archive-date=29 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629142156/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article5870937.ece | url-status=dead }}</ref>


After retiring, Deco set up D20 Sports Management, a ] registered in ], Ireland. The agency, whose clients include Brazil international ] and Burkina Faso international ], recorded €300,000 profit in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=D20 Sports Management posts profit of about €300,000 for 2017 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/d20-sports-management-posts-profit-of-about-300-000-for-2017-1.3704867 |access-date=17 September 2022 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=20 November 2018}}</ref>
UEFA Cup : 5 goals


==Media==
UEFA Champions League: 8 goals
Deco features in ]' ]. He was included in the Ultimate Team Legends in '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.easports.com/fifa/news/2015/fifa-16-ratings-new-legends|title=FIFA 16 Player Ratings - New Legends|publisher=EA Sports|date=5 September 2015|access-date=8 September 2015}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
'''FCBARCELONA'''
===Club===
''Appearances and goals by club, season and competition.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foradejogo.net/player.php?player=197708270002|title=Deco|publisher=ForaDeJogo|access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j142.html|title=Deco|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Includes the ], ], ] and ]}}
!colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Includes the ]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|]
|]
|]
|2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
|]
|]
|]
|0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|-
|] (loan)
|]
|]
|32||12||1||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||13
|-
|]
|]
|]
|12||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||2
|-
|rowspan="7"|]
|]
|Primeira Divisão
|6||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
|]
|Primeira Liga
|23||1||4||3||colspan="2"|—||11{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in ]}}||3||colspan="2"|—||38||7
|-
|]
|Primeira Liga
|31||6||4||0||colspan="2"|—||10{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in ]}}||0||2{{efn|name=SCO|Appearance(s) in ]}}||0||47||6
|-
|]
|Primeira Liga
|30||13||2||0||colspan="2"|—||15{{efn|name=UCL}}||6||1{{efn|name=SCO}}||0||48||19
|-
|]
|Primeira Liga
|30||10||3||1||colspan="2"|—||12{{efn|name=UC}}||1||colspan="2"|—||45||12
|-
|]
|Primeira Liga
|28||2||3||0||colspan="2"|—||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||2{{efn|One appearance in Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira and one appearance in ]}}||0||45||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!148!!32!!16!!4!!colspan="2"|—!!60!!12!!5!!0!!229!!48
|-
|rowspan="5"|]
|]
|]
|35||7||0||0||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||colspan="2"|—||42||9
|-
|]
|La Liga
|29||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||11{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||2{{efn|name=SCE|Appearances in ]}}||0||43||4
|-
|]
|La Liga
|31||1||3||0||colspan="2"|—||8{{efn|name=UCL}}||2||5{{efn|Two appearances and one goal in ], one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and two goals in Supercopa de España}}||3||47||6
|-
|]
|La Liga
|18||1||5||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||29||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!113!!11!!9!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!32!!6!!7!!3!!161!!20
|-
|rowspan="3"|]
|]
|]
|24||3||1||0||1||0||4{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||30||3
|-
|]
|Premier League
|19||2||2||0||2||1||4{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||1{{efn|name=CS|Appearance in ]}}||0||28||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!43!!5!!3!!0!!3!!1!!8!!0!!1!!0!!58!!6
|-
|rowspan="5"|]
|]
|Série A
|16||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||1
|-
|]
|Série A
|18||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=CL|Appearances in ]}}||1||5{{efn|name=CC|Appearances in ]}}||0||25||1
|-
|]
|Série A
|17||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||8{{efn|name=CL}}||1||11{{efn|name=CC}}||3||36||5
|-
|]
|Série A
|5||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|name=CL}}||0||5{{efn|name=CC}}||0||14||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!56!!2!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!13!!2!!21!!3!!91!!7
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!406!!64!!32!!5!!3!!1!!113!!20!!33!!6!!588!!96
|}
{{reflist|1|group=lower-alpha}}


===International===
Spanish Laliga: 10 goals
''Appearances and goals by national team and year''<ref name="RSSSF">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/port-deco-intl.html|title=Anderson Luis de Souza "Deco" - International Appearances|website=]|access-date=6 February 2021}}</ref><ref name=EUF>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=24768|title=National football team player - Deco|publisher=eu.football.info|access-date=6 February 2021}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!National team
!Year||Apps||Goals
|-
| rowspan="8" |]
|2003||9||1
|-
|2004||15||1
|-
|2005||8||0
|-
|2006||11||1
|-
|2007||8||0
|-
|2008||9||2
|-
|2009||11||0
|-
|2010||4||0
|-
! colspan="2" |Total||75||5
|}
'''International goals'''


''Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first.''<ref name="RSSSF"/><ref name="EUF"/>
UEFA Champions League: 4 goals
{| class="wikitable" style=font-size:100%
|-
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| 1. || 29 March 2003 || ], ], Portugal || {{fb|Brazil}} || 2–1 || 2–1 || ]
|-
| 2. || 13 October 2004 || ], ], Portugal || {{fb|Russia}} || 3–0 || 7–1 || ]
|-
| 3. || 17 June 2006 || ], ], Germany || {{fb|Iran}} || 1–0 || 2–0 || ]
|-
| 4. || 11 June 2008 || ], ], Switzerland || {{fb|Czech Republic}} || 1–0 || 3–1 || ]
|-
| 5. || 10 September 2008 || Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal || {{fb|Denmark}} || 2–1 || 2–3 || ]
|}


==Honours==
'''PORTUGAL'''
'''Porto'''<ref name="UEFA">{{cite news |title=Former Portugal midfielder Deco retires |url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1985711.html |publisher=UEFA.com |date=26 August 2013 |access-date=11 February 2016}}</ref>
*]: ], ], ]
*]: ], ], ]
*]: ], ]
*]: ]
*]: ]


'''Barcelona'''<ref name="UEFA"/>
International Friendly: 2 goals
*]: ], ]
*]: ], ]
*UEFA Champions League: ]


'''Chelsea'''
Portugal: 3 goals
*]: ]<ref name=PremProfile>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3592/Deco/overview |title=Deco: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 September 2018}}</ref>
*]: ], ]<ref name="UEFA"/>
*]: ]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8190061.stm |title=Chelsea 2–2 Man Utd |first=Phil |last=McNulty |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2009 |access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref>


'''Fluminense'''
TOTAL GOALS: 79 goals
*]: ], ]
*]: ]


'''Individual'''
== Quotes ==
*] runner-up: ]<ref name="UEFA2">{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/teams/player=51643/profile/ |title=FIFA World Cup - Deco – UEFA.com|publisher=]|access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref>
*]: 2003–04<ref name="RSSSF"/>
*]: 2003–04,<ref name="RSSSF"/> 2005–06<ref name="RSSSF"/>
*]: Man of the Match
*]: 2004–05<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |title=ESM Season XI |author1=Karel Stokkermans |date=14 March 2007 |access-date=9 February 2016 |url-status=live |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207144925/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/esm-xi.html |archive-date=7 February 2016 }}</ref>
*]: ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/archive/japan2006/awards/index.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905220649/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/archive/japan2006/awards/index.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 September 2015 | title=2006 FIFA Club World Cup awards |work=] | access-date=16 February 2016}}</ref>
*]: 2003–04<ref name="UEFA2"/>
*]: 2006
*]: ]<ref name=PremProfile/>
*Campeonato Carioca Best Player: 2012<ref name="rj.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.rj.gov.br/web/imprensa/exibeconteudo?article-id=923538 |title=PREMIAÇÃO DO CAMPEONATO CARIOCA 2012 TEVE SETE NOVAS CATEGORIAS|publisher=rj.gov.br|access-date=14 February 2016}}</ref>
*Campeonato Carioca Best Midfielder: 2012<ref name="rj.gov"/>
*]: 2013<ref name=GSA>{{cite web|url=http://www.globesoccer.com/awards/walloffame/|title=Wall of Fame|publisher=Globe Soccer.com|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref>
*]: 2016, as ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://goldenfoot.com/legends/|title=LEGENDS – GoldenFoot|publisher=Golden Foot|access-date=5 January 2017}}</ref>


'''Orders'''
"Deco doesn't talk a lot but when he does everybody listens" - Lionel Messi on Deco.
*] Medal of Merit, ] (])


==References==
"World-Class" - Jose Mourinho on Deco.
{{reflist}}


==External links==
"My choice of Deco had to do with his technical and professional qualities and his strong determination in reaching the objectives," - Scolari(Portugal Coach) on the inclusion of Deco into the Portuguese National Squad.
{{Commons category}}
* at the FC Barcelona website
* {{FPF national player}}
* {{FIFA player}}
* {{UEFA player}}
* {{ForaDeJogo|197708270002}}
* {{NFT player|5306}}
* {{Soccerbase}}
* {{WorldFootball.net}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224154748/http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=1350&b=true&pn=Anderson_Lu& |date=24 December 2008 |title=FootballDatabase provides Deco's profile and stats}}
* {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319021156/http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/soccerprofiles/p/deco.htm |date=19 March 2009 |title=Deco profile from About.com}}
*


{{Navboxes
"Deco is the barometer of our season, when he is in form the quality of the game rises, when he is not so good the team as a whole performs less well," - Barca Coach Frenk Rijkaard on Deco.
|title=Portugal squads
|bg = #B50000
|fg = gold
|bordercolor = #006600
|list1=
{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{Portugal squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Portugal squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{Portugal squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Awards
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|list1=
{{FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball}}
{{UEFA Club Footballer of the Year}}
{{UEFA Club Football Awards}}
{{Portuguese Footballer of the Year}}
{{Portuguese Golden Ball}}
{{Golden Foot Legends Award}}
}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Deco}}
"He's a great player. It would be foolish to underestimate him," - Celtic coach Martin O'Neill on Deco during the 2002-03 Uefa Cup Final
]

]

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== Portugal National Team ==
]

]
Deco has currently over 30 caps for the Portugal National Team. Deco has also been named in the Portuguese National Team for the 2006 World Cup. With the National Team, Deco enjoys a more attacking role than his Barcelona role. Deco form has been noted by coaches, players and the most surprising, the Brazilian National Team Coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira who said that he should have considered putting Deco into the Brazilian squad.
]

==External links==
{{commons2}}
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*
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{{succession box|title=]|before=] |after=]|years=2003-04}}
{{end box}}
{{Portugal Squad 2006 World Cup}}
{{FC Barcelona Squad}}
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Latest revision as of 01:02, 8 December 2024

Footballer (born 1977) This article is about the football player. For other uses, see Deco (disambiguation).

This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.
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Deco
Deco playing for Fluminense in 2013
Personal information
Full name Anderson Luís de Souza
Date of birth (1977-08-27) 27 August 1977 (age 47)
Place of birth São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1995–1996 Nacional (SP)
1996–1997 Corinthians
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–1997 Corinthians 2 (1)
1997 CSA 0 (0)
1997–1998 Benfica 0 (0)
1997–1998 → Alverca (loan) 32 (12)
1998–1999 Salgueiros 12 (2)
1999–2004 Porto 148 (32)
2004–2008 Barcelona 113 (11)
2008–2010 Chelsea 43 (5)
2010–2013 Fluminense 56 (2)
Total 406 (65)
International career
2003–2010 Portugal 75 (5)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Portugal
UEFA European Championship
Runner-up 2004 Portugal
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Anderson Luís de Souza OIH (born 27 August 1977), also known as Deco (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈdɛku]), is a former professional football player who primarily played as an attacking or central midfielder. Born and raised in Brazil, he acquired Portuguese citizenship and played for Portugal. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He currently works as sporting director in Barcelona.

Deco is one of the few players to have won the UEFA Champions League with two clubs, with Porto in 2004 and Barcelona in 2006. He was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and UEFA Best Midfielder in Porto's Champions League-winning season and was named Man of the Match in the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final. Deco was the first player to win the UEFA Best Midfielder Award with two clubs, Porto and Barcelona. He was awarded the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball and the Man of the Match award in the final despite losing to Internacional.

Deco received Portuguese citizenship in 2002 having completed five years of Portuguese residence, and subsequently opted to play internationally for the Portugal national team. He earned 75 caps for them, playing at two UEFA European Championships and two FIFA World Cups, reaching the final of Euro 2004, and achieving a fourth-place finish at the 2006 World Cup.

Club career

Early career

Born in São Bernardo do Campo, Deco spent time at Corinthians as a youngster, competing in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior for them. In the 1997 edition, Benfica sent Toni to scout the tournament, and he soon noticed Deco, recommending his signing. In June 1997, Benfica purchased his rights from CSA and immediately sent him on loan (along with fellow Brazilian Caju) to their farm team, Alverca. After helping them win promotion to the top tier in 1997–98 season by scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances, he returned to Benfica in July 1998. However, he left for Salgueiros in exchange for Nandinho, who went in the opposite direction. When asked by Nuno Gomes in an interview for FourFourTwo why he did not stay and become a legend at Benfica, Deco said, "Benfica decided, it wasn't my decision. They didn't want me. The coach was Graeme Souness at the time. I was young and Benfica needed some players."

At Salgueiros, Deco was plagued by injuries and only made a few appearances, until Porto purchased him in March 1999, in time to win the league title. His release from Benfica and subsequent success with Porto was considered by António Simões as an "historical mistake", while Toni stated he saw in Deco, a successor for Rui Costa the club needed since his departure.

Porto

In his first season with Porto, Deco scored a goal after just 30.08 seconds in a 1–0 away win against Molde in the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League.

Under the guidance of manager José Mourinho in the 2002–03 season, Deco scored 10 goals in 30 matches and received 17 yellow cards and 1 red card. He was one of the key players in Porto's UEFA Cup final 3–2 win over Celtic that year. In the 2003–04 season, Deco helped Porto recapture the national title and led the team to the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final, in which Porto won 3–0 over Monaco, scoring the second goal of the match. He was the UEFA Champions League's top assist provider and also suffered the most fouls in the Champions League that season. That season, Deco also won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year as well as the award for the best midfielder in the competition.

Barcelona

Deco playing for Barcelona in the 2006–07 season

A deal was achieved between Porto and Barcelona the day after the Euro 2004 final. Barcelona agreed on a €15 million fee in cash, plus the complete rights of Ricardo Quaresma to Porto, which tagged Quaresma for €6 million.

On 14 May 2005, Deco played in the draw against Levante, which gave Barcelona their 17th La Liga title. He also was named Barcelona's player of the season in the 2005–06 season.

Deco scored twice in the 2006 Supercopa de España, which Barça won. Deco won the UEFA Best Midfielder Award yet again for his performance in Barça's UEFA Champions League-winning season, enabling him to join the exclusive group of players that have won the same award more than once with different teams, having won the Champions League previously with Porto. He was also awarded the Golden Ball at the FIFA Club World Cup and the Man of the Match award, despite losing the final to Internacional.

Chelsea

Deco taking a penalty kick for Chelsea in 2008

On 30 June 2008, Premier League team Chelsea signed Deco from Barcelona on a three-year contract for €10 million (£8 million). He was the first signing of new Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was formerly the head coach of the Portugal national team.

Deco scored on his debut with a 30-yard goal in a 4–0 league victory over Portsmouth. Deco followed up his performance by scoring in his second game for Chelsea, a curling free-kick against Wigan Athletic. These performances led to him winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August. Deco made his Champions League debut for Chelsea on 16 September. Deco injured himself during a training session, but he returned from the thigh injury on 19 October and came on as a substitute against Middlesbrough. He was sent off in the 3–1 defeat by Roma on 4 November 2008. He then scored a bicycle kick against Bolton Wanderers on 6 December.

Deco eventually lost his place in the 2008–09 starting line up, due in part to some poor performances, but also to the sacking of Scolari. In a June interview, Deco said, "I do not want to stay. I have not liked my experience at Chelsea." This was soon followed by Inter Milan, managed by former Chelsea manager José Mourinho, declaring Inter was attempting to sign Deco along with fellow countryman Ricardo Carvalho, who had also declared his desire to leave and, like Deco, desired to link-up with Mourinho again. Both players previously played under Mourinho at Porto. However, Inter club president Massimo Moratti ruled out signing either of the Portuguese internationals on the basis of their age, telling Gazzetta dello Sport, "Deco and Carvalho? They are two champions but at this time I don't feel there's a need to buy them."

Fluminense

On 6 August 2010, Deco signed a two-year contract with Brazilian club Fluminense on a free transfer, joining former Chelsea and Barcelona teammate Juliano Belletti. Playing for Fluminense, Deco won the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2010 and 2012.

On 26 August 2013, Deco retired, ending a 17-year career. The decision came on the day before his 36th birthday. His final match was four days prior, against Goiás.

International career

Deco playing for Portugal against Denmark in 2008

Deco was never called up to the Brazil national team, as the Brazil squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup included other attacking midfielders such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Juninho. After completing six years of residence in Portugal, he was able to gain Portuguese citizenship and play for their national team. As none of his great-grandparents, grandparents or parents were Portuguese, under FIFA's player eligibility rules his citizenship was the only factor to allow him to play for Portugal. He was subsequently mentioned several times in the media as an option for the Portugal national team.

After many months of public discussion which split Portuguese public opinion, and despite the opposition of a large number of Porto rivals' supporters, he was called up for his first international, coincidentally against Brazil. He came on as a substitute for Sérgio Conceição and scored the free-kick which won the match 2–1. This was Portugal's first win over Brazil since the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Since that match, he became a regular in the national team. Before UEFA Euro 2004, Luís Figo criticised Deco's inclusion and said, "Se você nasceu chinês, bem, você tem que jogar pela China." (English: "If you're born Chinese, well, you have to play for China.") Deco responded, "Eu nasci no Brasil e seria uma mentira dizer que sou português agora e não brasileiro. Mas amo Portugal e adoro jogar pela seleção." (English:"I was born in Brazil and it would be a lie to say that I'm Portuguese now and not Brazilian. But I love Portugal and I love playing for the national team.")

Despite the early criticism, Deco was one of the highlights of the Portugal national team. He scored 5 goals in 75 caps for Portugal by June 2010, when his international career ended after the second-round defeat to Spain at the 2010 World Cup.

2006 World Cup

In the 2006 World Cup, Deco scored the first goal in Portugal's second Group D match against Iran in the 63rd minute prior to Cristiano Ronaldo's 80th-minute penalty. During the first knockout stage of the competition, Deco received two yellow cards in the match against the Netherlands with the first given for a rash tackle on John Heitinga, suspending him from the quarter-final win against England, as he had already picked up a caution in the match with Iran. The win against England in the quarter-final stage led to Portugal's defeat in the semi-final, which Deco was able to participate in.

Euro 2008

On 11 June, Deco scored the opening goal in Portugal's second match of Euro 2008, a Group A clash with the Czech Republic. The match ended 3–1 to Portugal, with Deco aiding his team in their passage to the quarter-finals where Portugal's campaign came to an end against Germany, the eventual runners-up of the tournament.

In February 2010, Deco announced he would be retiring from international football after the 2010 World Cup.

2010 World Cup

Deco played for Portugal in their opening game against the Ivory Coast. During the match, he was injured and was ruled out of the remaining two group matches, against North Korea and Brazil. He was fit again for the round of 16 match against Spain, but Portugal head coach Carlos Queiroz chose Tiago over him.

Deco retired from international football with 75 caps and 5 goals.

Style of play

As a player, Deco was a versatile, tactically intelligent and creative midfielder with excellent vision and technical ability. A generous and hard-working team-player capable of playing in several midfield positions. He was initially used as a central midfielder under manager José Mourinho during his time with Porto, although he was also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, as a deep-lying playmaker or as a winger on either flank. What he lacked in pace as well as physical, defensive and athletic attributes, he made up for in stamina, as well as excellent ball control, dribbling skills, passing range and crossing ability, which allowed him to beat players, find space and create chances for teammates. Deco was an excellent visionary with the ball, who opened up spaces for his teammates through finding passing lanes that no one else saw, and also had a notable ability to switch the tempo of play in rapid style.

A diminutive midfielder, in later years, as he lost his acceleration, agility and mobility, he also went through a physical development, which, along with his balance, allowed him to protect the ball against larger opponents. He also contributed offensively with occasional goals due to his accurate mid-range shooting ability, and his adeptness at free-kicks. Despite his talent, Deco was also known to be injury-prone and inconsistent at times, and was also accused of drifting in and out of matches. Furthermore, his work-rate and fitness were often brought into question in his later career. Deco was also well known for his tendency to commit tactical fouls, and he was accused of diving throughout his career.

Post-retirement

Deco in 2018

On 16 August 2023, it was announced that Deco would become the sporting director of his former club Barcelona by signing a three-year contract.

Personal life

Deco is the brother-in-law of fellow former footballers Alecsandro and Richarlyson. Deco is an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. He also has a charitable organisation, the Deco Institute, based in the Brazilian city of Indaiatuba, near São Paulo, where he grew up.

After retiring, Deco set up D20 Sports Management, a sports agency registered in Dublin, Ireland. The agency, whose clients include Brazil international Fabinho and Burkina Faso international Edmond Tapsoba, recorded €300,000 profit in 2017.

Media

Deco features in EA Sports' FIFA football video game series. He was included in the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 16.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition.

Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Corinthians 1996 Série A 2 0 0 0 — — — 2 0
CSA 1997 Série C 0 0 1 0 — — — 1 0
Alverca (loan) 1997–98 Segunda Divisão 32 12 1 1 — — — 33 13
Salgueiros 1998–99 Primeira Divisão 12 2 1 0 — — — 13 2
Porto 1998–99 Primeira Divisão 6 0 0 0 — — — 6 0
1999–2000 Primeira Liga 23 1 4 3 — 11 3 — 38 7
2000–01 Primeira Liga 31 6 4 0 — 10 0 2 0 47 6
2001–02 Primeira Liga 30 13 2 0 — 15 6 1 0 48 19
2002–03 Primeira Liga 30 10 3 1 — 12 1 — 45 12
2003–04 Primeira Liga 28 2 3 0 — 12 2 2 0 45 4
Total 148 32 16 4 — 60 12 5 0 229 48
Barcelona 2004–05 La Liga 35 7 0 0 — 7 2 — 42 9
2005–06 La Liga 29 2 1 0 — 11 2 2 0 43 4
2006–07 La Liga 31 1 3 0 — 8 2 5 3 47 6
2007–08 La Liga 18 1 5 0 — 6 0 — 29 1
Total 113 11 9 0 — 32 6 7 3 161 20
Chelsea 2008–09 Premier League 24 3 1 0 1 0 4 0 — 30 3
2009–10 Premier League 19 2 2 0 2 1 4 0 1 0 28 3
Total 43 5 3 0 3 1 8 0 1 0 58 6
Fluminense 2010 Série A 16 1 — — — — 16 1
2011 Série A 18 0 0 0 — 2 1 5 0 25 1
2012 Série A 17 1 0 0 — 8 1 11 3 36 5
2013 Série A 5 0 1 0 — 3 0 5 0 14 0
Total 56 2 1 0 — 13 2 21 3 91 7
Career total 406 64 32 5 3 1 113 20 33 6 588 96
  1. Includes the Copa do Brasil, Taça de Portugal, Copa del Rey and FA Cup
  2. Includes the Football League Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  5. ^ Appearance(s) in Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira
  6. One appearance in Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira and one appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  7. Appearances in Supercopa de España
  8. Two appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances and two goals in Supercopa de España
  9. Appearance in FA Community Shield
  10. ^ Appearances in Copa Libertadores
  11. ^ Appearances in Campeonato Carioca

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team Year Apps Goals
Portugal 2003 9 1
2004 15 1
2005 8 0
2006 11 1
2007 8 0
2008 9 2
2009 11 0
2010 4 0
Total 75 5

International goals

Scores and results list Portugal's goal tally first.

# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 29 March 2003 Estádio das Antas, Porto, Portugal  Brazil 2–1 2–1 Friendly
2. 13 October 2004 Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal  Russia 3–0 7–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying
3. 17 June 2006 Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt, Germany  Iran 1–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup
4. 11 June 2008 Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland  Czech Republic 1–0 3–1 UEFA Euro 2008
5. 10 September 2008 Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal  Denmark 2–1 2–3 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying

Honours

Porto

Barcelona

Chelsea

Fluminense

Individual

Orders

References

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  4. "AN ODE TO DECO". footballtimes. 27 May 2020.
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  53. "LEGENDS – GoldenFoot". Golden Foot. Retrieved 5 January 2017.

External links

Portugal squads
Portugal squad – UEFA Euro 2004 runners-up
Portugal
Portugal squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup fourth place
Portugal
Portugal squad – UEFA Euro 2008
Portugal
Portugal squad – 2010 FIFA World Cup
Portugal
Awards
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FIFA Intercontinental Cup
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year
UEFA Men's Club Football Awards
Best Goalkeeper
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Best Midfielder
Best Forward
LPFP Primeira Liga Player of the Year
CNID Footballer of the Year (1970–2005)
Winners
Primeira Liga Footballer of the Year (2006–)
Winners
A Bola de Ouro
Golden Foot Legends Award
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