1. Overview
Ibson Barreto da Silva (born 7 November 1983), commonly known as Ibson, is a Brazilian former professional football player who primarily played as a central midfielder. Known for his dribbling skills and high work rate, he was also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder. After a distinguished playing career that spanned clubs in Brazil, Portugal, Russia, Italy, and the United States, Ibson transitioned into coaching. He currently serves as the assistant coach for Amazonas Futebol Clube, where he also briefly held the position of interim head coach.
2. Playing career
Ibson's professional football career began in Brazil, where he rose through the ranks of Flamengo's youth system before making his mark on senior teams both domestically and internationally. His journey included successful stints in Portugal and Russia, a return to his beloved Flamengo, and later years playing across various clubs in Brazil and North America.
2.1. Early career and Flamengo
Born in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, Ibson joined the youth academy of Flamengo in 1992 at the age of nine. He progressed through the ranks and was promoted to the first team in the 2003 season. He made his professional debut in a match against rival club CR Vasco da Gama, making nine appearances in the Série A that year. His father, Laís Souza, later became a scout at Flamengo.
In the 2004 campaign, Ibson established himself as one of Flamengo's most important players. Under the guidance of coach Abel Braga and playing alongside notable teammates such as Felipe, Jean, and Zinho, he played a pivotal role in the team's success. That season, Flamengo won both the Taça Guanabara and the Campeonato Carioca. The team also finished as runner-up in the Copa do Brasil. Ibson contributed significantly, scoring six goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. His impressive performances attracted interest from several European clubs, leading to his transfer to FC Porto in January 2005, just three games into the regional championship. The transfer fee was approximately 2.50 M USD. Flamengo faced criticism regarding the transfer value, but club directors justified the sale by stating that Ibson's contract was set to expire at the end of the year, which could have resulted in his departure without any transfer fee.
2.2. Porto
Ibson made a strong start to his career with FC Porto, quickly becoming a regular starter. In his first full season, 2005-06, he played a key role in Porto's domestic success, winning the Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal. During this period, he made 21 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal. The following year, in 2006, he also won the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.
However, in the 2006-07 season, Ibson's importance within the squad diminished. He reportedly experienced problems with manager Jesualdo Ferreira, which led to a reduction in his playing opportunities. This situation ultimately paved the way for his return to Brazil.
2.3. Return to Flamengo (loan)
In July 2007, Ibson returned to Flamengo on a loan deal. His arrival was crucial for the team, which was then struggling in the relegation zone, placed 18th in the league. Joining alongside Maxi Biancucchi and Fábio Luciano, Ibson played a significant role in an incredible comeback. Flamengo ultimately finished third in the 2007 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, marking their best performance since winning the title in 1992. This strong finish also secured them a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. During this successful loan spell, Ibson scored six goals in 22 matches and was recognized for his outstanding performance by being elected the league's best right midfielder. His loan was subsequently extended for another year.
During his second stint at Flamengo, Ibson continued to be a vital player. He was part of the squad that clinched the 2009 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title, a significant achievement for the club. He also contributed to winning the 2008 and 2009 Campeonato Carioca titles, as well as the 2009 Taça Rio.
2.4. Spartak Moscow
On 13 July 2009, Ibson was released by FC Porto and subsequently signed a three-year contract with Russian club FC Spartak Moscow. The transfer fee for his move to Spartak Moscow was 4.00 M EUR.
During the 2010 season, Ibson made 28 appearances for Spartak Moscow, scoring two goals. His contributions helped the team secure a fourth-place finish in the Russian Premier League. He continued to play for the club until 2011.
2.5. Later career in Brazil and Europe
Following his time in Russia, Ibson returned to Brazil and also had a brief stint in Europe, representing five different teams between 2011 and 2015.
In 2011, he joined Santos, where he played until 2012. With Santos, he was part of the squad that won the 2012 Campeonato Paulista title. After Santos, he had another spell with Flamengo from 2012 to 2013.
In 2013, Ibson moved to Corinthians. During his time there, he helped the club win the 2013 Recopa Sudamericana, an international club football competition.
On 31 January 2014, Ibson joined Italian Serie A club Bologna. He made 10 appearances for the club during his time in Italy. Later that year, on 13 August 2014, he was loaned to Brazilian club Sport Recife, which had recently returned to the first division. He played 16 matches for Sport Recife.
2.6. North American and final years
On 23 February 2015, Ibson embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Minnesota United FC in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He continued with the club as they transitioned into MLS. At the end of the 2018 season, at 35 years old, Ibson was released by the club.
Following his departure from Minnesota United, Ibson returned to Brazil for the final years of his playing career. At the end of May 2019, he was announced as a new player for Tombense, where he played until the end of the 2020 season. He subsequently had two stints with Amazonas, and also played for Ipatinga and Nacional de Muriaé. Ibson officially retired from professional football in 2022 while playing for Nacional de Muriaé.
3. Coaching career
After concluding his playing career, Ibson transitioned into football coaching. On 26 April 2023, he returned to Amazonas as a permanent assistant coach, marking his continued involvement with the sport. On 19 November 2024, Ibson was named interim head coach for the final round of the 2024 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, taking on a temporary leadership role for the club.
4. Statistics
Ibson's career statistics reflect his extensive playing history across various clubs and competitions. The table below provides a comprehensive breakdown of his appearances and goals.
| Club | Season | League | State league | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Flamengo | 2003 | Série A | 8 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 8 | 0 | ||||
| 2004 | 42 | 6 | 12 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | 66 | 10 | |||
| 2005 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 50 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | 75 | 10 | |||
| Porto | 2004-05 | Primeira Liga | 15 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 15 | 1 | ||||
| 2005-06 | 18 | 1 | - | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 25 | 1 | ||||
| 2006-07 | 13 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |||
| Total | 46 | 2 | - | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 57 | 2 | |||
| Flamengo (loan) | 2007 | Série A | 22 | 6 | - | - | - | - | 22 | 6 | ||||
| 2008 | 32 | 11 | 15 | 4 | - | 7 | 0 | - | 54 | 15 | ||||
| 2009 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 32 | 1 | |||
| Total | 63 | 17 | 32 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 0 | - | 108 | 22 | |||
| Spartak Moscow | 2009 | Russian Premier League | 6 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | - | - | 7 | 0 | |||
| 2010 | 28 | 2 | - | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | - | 34 | 4 | ||||
| 2011-12 | 10 | 1 | - | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | - | 17 | 2 | ||||
| Total | 44 | 3 | - | 4 | 1 | 10 | 2 | - | 58 | 6 | ||||
| Santos | 2011 | Série A | 19 | 0 | - | - | - | 2 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |||
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 4 | - | 8 | 0 | - | 27 | 4 | ||||
| Total | 19 | 0 | 19 | 4 | - | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 48 | 4 | |||
| Flamengo | 2012 | Série A | 33 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 33 | 1 | ||||
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 13 | 1 | |||
| Total | 33 | 1 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 46 | 1 | |||
| Corinthians | 2013 | Série A | 20 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 25 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 26 | 0 | ||
| Bologna | 2013-14 | Serie A | 10 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 10 | 0 | ||||
| Sport Recife (loan) | 2014 | Série A | 16 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | - | 18 | 0 | |||
| Minnesota United (NASL) | 2015 | NASL | 26 | 6 | - | 1 | 0 | - | - | 27 | 6 | |||
| 2016 | 23 | 1 | - | 2 | 0 | - | - | 25 | 1 | |||||
| Total | 49 | 7 | - | 3 | 0 | - | - | 52 | 7 | |||||
| Minnesota United | 2017 | MLS | 31 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | - | - | 32 | 0 | |||
| 2018 | 27 | 4 | - | 0 | 0 | - | - | 27 | 4 | |||||
| Total | 58 | 4 | - | 1 | 0 | - | - | 59 | 4 | |||||
| Tombense | 2019 | Série C | 12 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 12 | 0 | ||||
| 2020 | 16 | 1 | 13 | 2 | - | - | - | 29 | 3 | |||||
| Total | 28 | 1 | 13 | 2 | - | - | - | 41 | 3 | |||||
| Amazonas | 2021 | Amazonense | - | 12 | 1 | - | - | - | 12 | 1 | ||||
| Ipatinga | 2021 | Mineiro Módulo II | - | 10 | 0 | - | - | - | 10 | 0 | ||||
| Amazonas | 2022 | Série D | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | - | - | - | 10 | 2 | |||
| Nacional de Muriaé | 2022 | Mineiro Módulo II | - | 7 | 0 | - | - | - | 7 | 0 | ||||
| Career total | 436 | 41 | 130 | 16 | 32 | 2 | 34 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 637 | 62 | ||
4.1. Notes
- State league appearances include matches in the Campeonato Carioca and Campeonato Paulista.
- Cup appearances include matches in the Copa do Brasil, Taça de Portugal, and US Open Cup.
- Continental appearances include matches in the Copa Sudamericana, UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and UEFA Europa League.
- Other appearances include matches in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, FIFA Club World Cup, and Recopa Sudamericana.
5. Honours
Ibson achieved significant success throughout his playing career, earning numerous team titles and individual accolades across various clubs and competitions.
5.1. Club
Flamengo
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série ABrazilian Championship Series APortuguese (2009)
- Taça GuanabaraGuanabara CupPortuguese (2004, 2008)
- Taça RioRio CupPortuguese (2009)
- Campeonato CariocaCarioca ChampionshipPortuguese (2004, 2008, 2009)
Porto
- Primeira LigaFirst LeaguePortuguese (2005-06, 2006-07)
- Taça de PortugalCup of PortugalPortuguese (2005-06)
- Supertaça Cândido de OliveiraCândido de Oliveira SupercupPortuguese (2006)
Santos
- Campeonato PaulistaPaulista ChampionshipPortuguese (2012)
Corinthians
- Recopa SudamericanaSouth American RecopaPortuguese (2013)
5.2. Individual
- Prêmio Craque do BrasileirãoBrazilian League Best Player AwardPortuguese (2007)