Juninho Pernambucano

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Juninho Pernambucano joined LA Galaxy in 2011 and played for the club through the 2013 season, becoming a fan favorite for his free-kick prowess and creative play. He won the MLS Cup in 2011, playing alongside Landon Donovan and David Beckham. His most significant European impact was at Lyon, where he won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles and was renowned as one of the greatest free-kick takers in history.

In Their Own Story

Instead, his career highlights include scoring a crucial goal for Ituano in 1993 to save them from relegation during his brief return as player-president in 2010, and winning the Football League Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004.

Reader's Guide

Juninho Paulista (not Pernambucano) began his senior career at Ituano in 1990 before moving to São Paulo. He is most associated with Middlesbrough, where he had three spells and earned the nickname 'The Little Fella' due to his height of 1.65 m. After a stint in Spain with Atlético Madrid, he returned to Brazil to play for Vasco da Gama, where he adopted the name 'Paulista' to distinguish himself from teammate Juninho Pernambucano. He later played for Celtic, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Sydney FC before retiring in 2008.

Did You Know?

• He was named after his father, Osvaldo Giroldo, and adopted 'Pernambucano' to honor his home state of Pernambuco, not to differentiate from another player.

The Rise from Ituano to Global Stardom

Juninho began his senior career with Ituano in 1990. In a 1993 Campeonato Paulista match against São Paulo, he scored in an unlikely victory, earning man of the match honors and catching the attention of coach Telê Santana. He transferred to São Paulo that year, winning the 1993 Intercontinental Cup against Milan and the 1994 Copa CONMEBOL. He was voted Rookie of the Year that season and made his Brazil national team debut in February 1995.

The Legend of Teesside and 'The Little Fella'

In October 1995, Juninho signed for Middlesbrough for £4.75 million. At 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in), he was nicknamed 'TLF' or 'The Little Fella' by broadcaster Dave Roberts. He made his debut on 4 November 1995 against Leeds United, setting up the opening goal. Despite Middlesbrough's relegation that season, Juninho came second for the FWA Player of the Year and won the Premier League Player of the Season award, the only time a player from a team finishing outside the top seven has won it. He scored 17 goals in 74 games during his first spell.

Setbacks in Spain and the Birth of 'Paulista'

Juninho moved to Atlético Madrid for £13m but suffered a broken fibula on 1 February 1998 from a tackle by Míchel Salgado, missing the 1998 World Cup. He was loaned back to Middlesbrough in the 1999–2000 season before returning to Atlético as they were relegated. He then loaned to Vasco da Gama, where he played alongside Juninho Pernambucano and adopted the name 'Paulista' for differentiation. He won the 2000 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa Mercosur with Vasco, followed by a brief loan to Flamengo.

International Glory and Enduring Legacy

Juninho returned to Middlesbrough in summer 2002 for £6m, helping them win the 2003–04 Football League Cup. In December 2007, fans voted him Middlesbrough's greatest ever player. He moved to Celtic on a free transfer at the end of 2004, scoring once in a 3–0 win over Hearts but struggling for playing time under Martin O'Neill. After returning to Brazil to play for Palmeiras and Flamengo (where his contract was terminated in May 2007), he joined Sydney FC as their marquee player on 1 August 2007. He retired from professional football in April 2008.