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Any nation hoping that the key to beating Brazil during this summer’s World Cup is to get at their defence evidently haven’t come across the rock at its centre. Lucimar da Silva Ferreira has matured into one of the world’s most complete defenders. The six-footer is quick for a big man, possesses almost telescopic legs for accurate tackles and interceptions and is capable of contributing goals from deep as well. Although his forays upfield will probably be less obvious for Brazil than in club football, his skilful dribbling and powerful long-range shooting are a joy to behold.
Lúcio first hit the big-time, in Brazil at least, with Internacional. His progress until the age of almost 23 was steady, but his career really took off following his international debut in November 2000 against Colombia. After this he quickly moved to Germany, joining Bayer Leverkusen the following spring. There his flamboyance in both defending and attacking was something of a revelation to many German supporters, more used to conservative defenders with more work rate than skill. Then manager Klaus Topmoller built a wonderfully attacking team which reached the Champions League final in 2002 where they were beaten by Real Madrid.
Shortly after that disappointment he joined up with the Brazilian national team for their ultimately victorious journey to Korea and Japan. A World Cup winner at only 24, the sky seemed to be the limit for the Brasília-born stopper. However, things quickly started to go wrong at Leverkusen, their 2002-3 campaign almost ending in disaster. It was no surprise that they suffered during the big man’s absences through injury. The team was quickly broken up, and unfortunately for fans of exciting Bundesliga title races, it was perennial champions FC Bayern who picked up Lúcio in 2004.
The ‘double’ of league title and German Cup followed, and yet more success on German soil came about with Brazil’s Confederations Cup victory last summer, of which he was an important part. This season has been just as glorious for the team known as ‘FC Hollywood’, another league and cup double added to their trophy cabinet. If Brazil are to be successful again this summer, this is one player they cannot do without. He forms part of a defensive triangle that protects Dida in goal, alongside Juan and behind Émerson. His recent improvements in the air also bode well, as this is one area Parreira’s team have struggled of late.
Position: Central Defender
Appearances: 49
Goals: 2
Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Full Name: Lucimar Ferreira da Silva
Date of birth: 08 May 1978
Place of birth: Brasília (DF)
International debut: Brazil 1-0 Colombia (15 November 2000)
World Cup Squads: 1 (2002)
World Cup Appearances: 7 (7 - 2002)
Gama – 1997
Internacional – 1997-2000
Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) – 2001-04
Bayern Munich (Germany) – since 2004
Internacional – Rio Grande do Sul State Championship (1997)
Bayern Munich – German Championship (2005), German Cup (2005), German League Cup (2004)
World Cup (2002), Confederations Cup (2005)
Brazilian Championship Team of the Season (2000)
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Bio written by: Chris Marks
Factfile compiled by: Mark Lowdon
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