Branco (footballer)

At club level, Branco played for Internacional (1980–81), Fluminense (1981–86, 1994 and 1998), Brescia (1986–88), FC Porto (1988–91), Genoa (1991–93), Grêmio (1992–94), Flamengo (1995), Corinthians (1995), Middlesbrough (1996), and MetroStars (1997). Branco's late career in England and the United States was marred by weight problems.^{[citation needed]}

During his spell at Middlesbrough he scored twice, both goals coming against Hereford in the League Cup second round, once at home in the first leg and once away in the second.^[3] However, he played just nine times in the Premier League and by Christmas 1996 he had left the club on a free transfer after less than a year.^{[citation needed]}

Branco appeared 72 times for Brazil, between April 1985 and February 1995, and scored nine goals. He took part in three World Cups for the Seleção (1986, 1990 and 1994).^{[citation needed]}

In the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilians were considered favourites.^[4] During an injury break in the round of 16 match against Argentina, Branco drank from a water bottle provided by Argentine physio Miguel di Lorenzo. The drink was allegedly spiked with tranquillisers; Brazil were eliminated 0–1, and Branco said he felt drowsy after the drink. Dubbed the "holy water" scandal by the Argentinian media, Diego Maradona later insinuated the allegation to be true in a 2004 interview.^[5]

After sitting out the first four games at the 1994 World Cup, he replaced Leonardo on the left after Leonardo was banned for a deliberate elbow on Tab Ramos in the second-round game against the United States. Branco scored with a late free kick from 35 metres to eliminate the Netherlands in the quarter-finals,^[6] and took one of Brazil's penalties in the shootout when they beat Italy in the final. He played in a total of twelve matches in three World Cup tournaments.^{[citation needed]}

As of 2006, Branco was the general manager overseeing Brazil national youth teams.^{[citation needed]}

From 2007 to December 2009, he worked as general manager of Fluminense youth teams.^{[citation needed]}

Branco is of Lebanese descent.^[7][8]

Club

Internacional^[9]

• Campeonato Gaúcho: 1981

Fluminense^[9]

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1984
• Campeonato Carioca: 1983, 1984, 1985

Porto^[9]

• Primeira Liga: 1989–90
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 1990

Grêmio^[9]

• Campeonato Gaúcho: 1993

International

Brazil^[9]

• FIFA World Cup: 1994
• Copa América: 1989