A Brazilian striker of undoubted quality who was a magician with the ball, an exceptional dribbler and a great goalscorer who came to Barça from Deportivo La Coruña in 1997 and stayed until his departure for AC Milan in 2002. Rivaldo’s hung up his boots back in his native Brazil in 2013 with Sao Caetano.

Complete biography: 

Rivaldo came to FC Barcelona in August 1997 with job of replacing his fellow Brazilian Ronaldo who had just left for Inter Milan. On his league debut for the blaugranes the striker scored twice in a win over Real Sociedad. His first season at Barça ended with 28 goals in all competitions and winners’ medals in the League, Copa del Rey and the European Super Cup.

The following season, FC Barcelona’s centenary, was also a successful one with Rivaldo picking up another league title and the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player individual awards.

The Brazilian’s last few seasons as a blaugrana did not bring so much success in terms of trophies but they did provide some memorable moments such as his wonderful overhead kick, one of a hat-trick, against Valencia in the 2000/2001 season which handed Barça a place in the Champions League for the following season.

After five seasons with FC Barcelona the Brazilian left for AC Milan in 2002 and won the Champions League at Old Trafford, beating Juventus in the final. Spells in Greek, Angolan and finally back in his native Brazil with Sao Caetano, Rivaldo hung up his boots in 2013.

Honours:

2 Spanish Leagues (1997-1998 and 1998-1999)
1 Copa del Rey (1997-1998)
1 UEFA Super Cup (1997-1998)

Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player (1999)

World Cup winner with Brazil (2002)

Champions League winner with AC Milan (2003)

75 international caps for Brazil