Brazilian Denilson joins FC Dallas

[evalagoal]

This was just announced....

Another great player making his move to the US..

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FC Dallas today announced the signing of Brazilian and FIFA World Cup winner Denilson. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder joins FC Dallas as its Designated Player and will be eligible to play upon receipt of his work visa. Per League policy, terms of the deal were not revealed.

"We are extremely excited to be able to add a world-class player like Denilson to our squad," said FC Dallas head coach Steve Morrow. "We've worked hard to build a team with players that have exceptional ability and also have the right attitude off the field. Adding a player like Denilson will improve us further and give us a boost as we go into the final stretch of the season."

Denilson, whose full name is Denilson de Oliveira, made his international debut for Brazil in 1996 at the age of 19. A year later, he led his country to victory in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, picking up the adidas Golden Ball award, given to the tournament's best player. In 1998, he helped Brazil earn a second-place finish at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, and then played a key role in helping Brazil win their record fifth world-title in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea / Japan. He has scored nine goals in over 60 midfield appearances for his country.

"First, I want to thank all the people that helped make this happen with FC Dallas," said Denilson. "It is something took many days, but in the end came out well, as we had planned. And now, I am anxious to get started playing, and to join a team that is in a good position in the league. I hope that through my work I will be able to contribute to this team and have success in this league."

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Denilson becomes the fourth player in MLS history to have won a World Cup. The other three all played for New York: Lothar Matthaus (Germany 1990), Branco (Brazil 1994), and Youri Djorkaeff (France 1998).

"Signing a player of Denilson's caliber is another step in our organization's commitment to winning championships for our fans," said FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock. "Denilson brings with him the Brazilian-style of soccer combined with experience that can only be gained by having won at the highest level, the World Cup. We are proud to have Denilson on our team."

Denilson began his professional career with storied Brazilian-club Sao Paulo FC, joining the youth system in 1991 at the age of 14. He moved to the first team at the end of 1994 and remained a mainstay for the next four years. In 1998, Denilson became the most expensive soccer player in the world when Spanish club Real Bétis paid Sao Paulo $36 million for his services. After spending seven years in Spain, Denilson moved to Bordeaux of the French top division, before moving on to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nasr in 2006-2007.

Denilson Professional Career

1994-1998: São Paulo (Brazil)

1998-2000: Real Bétis (Spain)

2000: Flamengo (Brazil) six months

2001-2005: Real Bétis (Spain)

2005-2006: Bordeaux (France)

2006-2007: Al-Nasr (Saudi Arabia)

Name: Denilson

Number: 10

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 143

DOB: Aug. 24, 1977

Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Last Club: Al-Nasr (Saudi Arabia) Nationality: Brazil

[Euphoria]

Good news for US soccer, these high profile signings will hopefully bring more spectators to the stadiums.

[evalagoal]

I tell you what if MLS keeps these signings and names coming to the US we're going to see a stronger league and stronger numbers of spectators for sure.

The only other thing that they would have to worry about now is how to comptete against the NFL and MLB (bastards - I hate both sports)

[Paoktsis]

Initially I was kind of excited that Denilson's name was linked with PAOK, but I knew in relaity there's was a slim chance of him coming to PAOK. Guys, MLS is gaining momentum with these signings (Angel, Beckham, Denilson) and are starting to put an attractive product together (Too bad most fans at the games, other than the latin american ones, do not truly understand the game yet). I saw the Galaxy vs Red Bulls game the other day, and it was a very entertaining game, wit the stadium almost at capacity.