Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior

Age51

PositionMidfielder

Nationality🇧🇷 Brazilian

StatusRetired

About Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior

Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior is a retired Brazilian Midfielder born on January 30, 1975. During a career spanning 20 years across 6 clubs, Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior carved out a memorable legacy in the world of football. Their journey through various leagues and countries tells the story of a player who left a lasting mark on the beautiful game.

Career Journey

Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior began their professional career at Sport Recife in 1993. Over the course of 20 years, they went on to play for 6 different clubs across 4 countries, experiencing football in diverse leagues and cultures. Their longest spell was at Olympique Lyon, where they spent 8 years. Throughout their career, Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior played football in United States, Brazil, Qatar, France, gaining international experience that few players can match.

Playing Style & Position

Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior plays as a Midfielder, the engine room of any team. Midfielders are the most tactically versatile players on the pitch, required to contribute to both attack and defense while controlling the tempo of the game. The career trajectory of a midfielder often reveals the tactical demands of different leagues — from the technical precision required in La Liga to the high-intensity pressing of the Premier League. Their journey across clubs and countries showcases how the midfield role adapts to different football philosophies and coaching systems.

Historical Context

Born in 1975, Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior emerged during a transformative period in football history. The 1970s and 1980s saw the sport evolve from a largely regional affair into a global phenomenon, with the expansion of international competitions and the beginning of commercial television coverage. Players of this generation witnessed the transition from the total football revolution to the tactical innovations that would define the modern game, and their careers often spanned multiple eras of football philosophy.

Career Timeline

New York Red Bulls

2013 — 2013🇺🇸 United States

Vasco da Gama

2011 — 2012🇧🇷 Brazil

Al-Gharafa

2009 — 2011🇶🇦 Qatar

Olympique Lyon

2001 — 2009🇫🇷 France

Vasco da Gama

1995 — 2001🇧🇷 Brazil

Sport Recife

1993 — 1995🇧🇷 Brazil

Career Statistics

201

Goals

100

Assists

727

Matches Played

Scout's notes

The clues Daily Play reveals, in order, to anyone trying to name Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Júnior.

Clue 1He is globally recognized as one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time.
Clue 2He was the key figure for Olympique Lyonnais, winning seven consecutive French Ligue 1 titles.
Clue 3He represented the Brazilian national team and was part of the squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Clue 4His professional career spanned Brazil, France, Qatar, and a brief stint in the United States.

Fun Facts

1He is famous for popularizing the 'knuckleball' free-kick technique, where the ball moves with little to no spin.

2He was the first player in history to score over 100 free-kick goals in official matches.

3After retirement, he held the position of sporting director for Olympique Lyonnais, his former club.

Test Your Football Knowledge

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