1. Overview
Jose Almir Barros Neto (José Almir Barros NetoPortuguese), commonly known as Almir, is a Brazilian footballer. His career has seen him play for various clubs in his native Brazil, as well as in South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Notably, he had multiple stints in the K League, playing for teams such as Gyeongnam FC, Goyang Hi FC, Ulsan Hyundai, Gangwon FC, and Bucheon FC 1995.
2. Early life
2.1. Birth and background
Almir was born on August 22, 1985. He is a Brazilian national and is reported to be of Argentine ancestry.
3. Club career
3.1. Early career in Brazil and first K League stint
Almir began his professional career playing for clubs in his native Brazil. In 2008, he made his first move to the K League in South Korea, joining Gyeongnam FC. His initial period with the club was brief and challenging; he played only three matches before sustaining an injury. Following this, his form reportedly declined, leading to his departure from the team shortly thereafter.
3.2. Return to K League and subsequent club activities
After his first stint in South Korea, Almir returned to Brazil and continued his career there. In 2013, he received an offer from Goyang Hi FC, marking his return to the K League. During his time at Goyang, Almir demonstrated strong performances, particularly alongside teammate Alex, forming an effective partnership. Following a successful season with Goyang, he transferred to Ulsan Hyundai in the top-tier K League Classic for the 2014 season. However, his time at Ulsan was hampered by recurrent minor injuries and inconsistent form, which limited his appearances in many matches. In July 2014, he was loaned to Gangwon FC. On February 6, 2015, Almir's transfer to Bucheon FC 1995 was officially announced.
3.3. Other international club activities
Beyond his career in Brazil and South Korea, Almir also played for clubs in other countries. He was part of Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia and also played for Sisaket FC in Thailand.
4. Evaluation
Almir's career reflects that of a journeyman footballer who experienced varied success across different leagues. His time in the K League, particularly his second stint with Goyang Hi FC, highlighted his potential as a valuable player, where he contributed significantly alongside Alex. However, his subsequent moves to larger clubs like Ulsan Hyundai were often affected by injuries and difficulties in maintaining consistent form, limiting his overall impact at those teams. His career demonstrates a player who, despite challenges, sought opportunities in various footballing nations.