Aldair Nascimento dos Santos, known simply as Aldair, is a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a defender, and who was part of the Brazil national team that won the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
13 Facts About Aldair
2.
Aldair started playing at Flamengo where he won the State Championship Campeonato Carioca in 1986.
3.
Aldair moved to Europe in 1989, playing with Benfica, winning the Portuguese Supercup, and reaching the European Cup Final during his only season with the team.
4.
Aldair played a total of 436 matches with the Giallorossi, scoring 20 goals in total.
5.
Aldair was recognised in 2000 as one of the best players in the world by being selected in the FIFA XI; still, he remained loyal to Roma in spite of the club not having won any major international honours during his time there.
6.
In July 2005, Aldair announced plans of playing for Rio Branco, and played two games for the club in the estadual championship, helping his team to win the title.
7.
Aldair took part in the Champions League qualifying stage in July 2007.
8.
Aldair was part of the Brazilian squad that took part at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
9.
Aldair played for Brazil in the 1998 World Cup, as Brazil went on to reach the final , only to be defeated by France.
10.
Aldair took part in three Copa America's with Brazil, winning the title in 1989 and 1997, whilst earning a runners-up medal in 1995.
11.
Aldair won a bronze medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics, and was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.
12.
An elegant and tactically versatile defender, Aldair was capable of playing both as a sweeper and centre back, due to his vision, technical ability and passing range.
13.
Aldair excelled at anticipating opponents with well-timed challenges due to his ability to read the game.