Juninho Pernambucano Profile

Juninho Pernambucano is a retired Brazilian professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers in the history of the sport. Born in Recife, Brazil, on January 30, 1975, Juninho began his football career as a youth player at Sport Recife before moving on to play for Vasco da Gama and other clubs.

Juninho's playing career spanned over two decades, during which he won numerous domestic and international honours. He was a key member of the Brazilian national team, and he helped lead them to victory in the 2005 Confederations Cup. He also played a key role in Lyon's success in French football, helping the club to win seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles between 2002 and 2008.

Juninho was known for his incredible free-kick taking ability, and he scored over 75 goals from free-kicks throughout his career. His technique was unmatched, and he was able to generate incredible power and dip on his shots, making it almost impossible for goalkeepers to save them. He was also a gifted midfielder who was known for his vision, passing ability, and tenacity on the pitch.

One of the defining moments of Juninho's career came in the 2006 Champions League quarter-finals, when he scored two stunning free-kicks against AC Milan to help Lyon progress to the semi-finals of the competition. His performances in that tournament helped establish him as one of the best players in Europe, and he was named in the UEFA Team of the Year for that season.

Juninho retired from professional football in 2013, and he has since gone on to become a successful coach and pundit. He continues to be involved in football, and he is widely respected for his knowledge and passion for the sport.