What became of Alemão

Previously… Ricardo Rogério de Brito, better known as Alemão (the Portuguese for German), due to his blond hair, was a Brazilian midfielder who made had a spell with Atlético Madrid, making four appearances during the 1986/87 season and playing the entire 1987/88 campaign with the club. Later on he would move to SSC Napoli and then Atalanta Bergamasca.

His achievements… He was named the Liga BBVA’s best foreign player by the magazine Don Balón during his only full season playing for Atleti, notching up six goals and making 35 appearances for the Madrid outfit. He left los rojiblancos following a run-in with Jesús Gil and moved to Naples, where he joined up with fellow Brazilian Careca as well as Maradona. There he won the 1989 UEFA Cup as well as the 1990 Serie A title.

After hanging up his boots... He retired in 1996 while playing for Brazilian side Volta Redonda FC. Some years later, in 2007, he got his managerial career underway with the second division team Tupynambás de Juiz de Fora. The highlight of his coaching career came the following season when he took over at América Mineiro de Belo Horizonte. He is currently the boss of Central Sport Club in his native country.

Did you know?… He was the last signing Vicente Calderón made before his death. Alemão landed in Barajas Airport to sign his Atlético Madrid contract the same day the funeral of the club’s president was taking place.