Victor (footballer, born 1983)

1.1. Paulista FC

Born in Santo Anastácio, Brazil, Victor joined São Paulo FC's youth setup in 1997 at the age of 14. However, a year later, in 1998, he transferred to Paulista FC due to limited prospects of playing in the first team at São Paulo. Victor was called up to Paulista's main squad in 2000, but he had to wait until 2003 to make his senior debut. In his early years with the club, he primarily served as a backup to Rafael Bracalli. In 2006, following Bracalli's move to C.D. Nacional, Victor was chosen as the first-choice goalkeeper. He was also part of the Paulista squad that won the 2005 Copa do Brasil, although he remained as a substitute for both legs of the final match.

2.1. Grêmio FBPA

On 18 December 2007, Victor joined Grêmio, with the club, often referred to as the Tricolor, acquiring half of his registration rights for 400.00 K BRL. He quickly secured a starting spot in his initial games. However, on 24 February 2008, he suffered a kidney injury, which sidelined him for approximately one and a half months. Upon his return from injury, Victor became an undisputed starter, featuring in all matches during the 2008 Brasileirão season. His performance earned him the Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament. In 2009, he was again recognized as the championship's best, winning both the Bola de Prata and the Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão. However, his contribution to the team was somewhat reduced due to call-ups to the Brazil national team. During the summer of that year, Victor was linked with moves to European clubs, specifically A.S. Bari and S.L. Benfica, but neither transfer materialized. On 18 June 2010, Victor signed a new contract with Grêmio, extending his stay until 2015. He maintained his position in the starting eleven, and Grêmio finished fourth in the league that season. In the subsequent years, Grêmio faced challenges in replicating their past success, but Victor continued to be a consistent presence, making 32 appearances in the 2011 season. His period at Grêmio ended with 139 league appearances.

2.2. Clube Atlético Mineiro

On 29 June 2012, Victor made a significant move to Atlético Mineiro for a transfer fee of 3.50 M EUR, signing a five-year contract. He immediately became the first-choice goalkeeper for his new club, often referred to as Galo_Rooster^Portuguese, making 29 appearances as they finished second in the 2012 Campeonato Brasileiro.

In 2013, Victor was a pivotal figure in Atlético Mineiro's successful 2013 Copa Libertadores campaign, which culminated in their victory. A particularly iconic and crucial moment occurred in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Club Tijuana. In injury time, with the scoreline set to eliminate Atlético if Tijuana scored a penalty, Victor made a decisive save with his foot, preventing the goal. This save was widely celebrated by sports commentators and fans alike, seen as a symbolic moment that "kicked out" the club's long-standing historic "bad luck." Victor continued his heroic performances by making crucial saves in the subsequent penalty shoot-outs against Newell's Old Boys in the semi-finals and Club Olimpia in the finals, leading Atlético Mineiro to the title. For his outstanding performance, he was elected the competition's best goalkeeper.

His success with Atlético Mineiro continued, as he won the Copa do Brasil in 2014 and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2014. He also played a key role in numerous Campeonato Mineiro titles, securing victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021. Victor remained a central figure for Atlético Mineiro until his retirement from professional football in 2021, accumulating 245 league appearances during his tenure with the club.

3.1. Major Tournaments

Victor was included as a substitute goalkeeper in the Brazilian squad that won the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was also part of the team for the 2011 Copa América. On 7 May 2014, Victor was named among the 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil finished in fourth place. Over his international career from 2010 to 2013, he played 6 international A matches.

5.1. Club

Victor's club appearances and goals by season and competition are listed in the table below.

5.2. International

Victor's international appearances and goals for the Brazil national team are presented below.

6.1. Club

• Paulista
  • Copa do Brasil: 2005
• Grêmio
  • Campeonato Gaúcho: 2010
• Atlético Mineiro
  • Copa Libertadores: 2013
  • Recopa Sudamericana: 2014
  • Copa do Brasil: 2014
  • Campeonato Mineiro: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021

6.2. International

• Brazil
  • FIFA Confederations Cup: 2009

6.3. Individual

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2008, 2009 (recognized as the best goalkeeper)
• Bola de Prata: 2009
• Copa Libertadores Goalkeeper of the Year: 2013