André Cruz facts for kids

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André Cruz

Personal information
Full name	André Alves da Cruz
Date of birth	(1968-09-20) 20 September 1968 (age 56)
Place of birth	Piracicaba, Brazil
Height	1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
Playing position	Defender
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1986–1989	Ponte Preta	14	(0)
1989–1990	Flamengo	26	(5)
1990–1994	Standard Liège	107	(18)
1994–1997	Napoli	83	(13)
1997–1999	Milan	13	(1)
1999	Standard Liège	10	(1)
1999	Torino	13	(1)
1999–2002	Sporting CP	78	(9)
2002–2003	Goiás	16	(1)
2003–2004	Internacional	10	(1)
2004	Goiás	2	(0)
Total		372	(50)
National team
1985	Brazil U17	6	(1)
1987	Brazil U20	4	(2)
1988–1998	Brazil	31	(1)
Honours Men's football Representing  Brazil Olympic Games Silver 1988 Seoul Team competition Pan American Games Gold 1987 Indianapolis Team competition
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

André Alves da Cruz (born September 20, 1968) is a Brazilian former footballer. He played as a central defender, which means he helped protect his team's goal. André played for many different clubs in Brazil and Europe. He also proudly represented the Brazilian national team. He took part in big tournaments like the Copa América and the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He also won medals at the Pan American Games and the Summer Olympics.

André Cruz's Club Journey

André Cruz started his football journey in Brazil. He played for clubs like Ponte Preta and Flamengo. After playing in Brazil, he moved to Europe.

Playing in Europe

His first European club was Standard Liège in Belgium. Later, he moved to Italy. There, he played for famous teams such as Napoli, A.C. Milan, and Torino. After his time in Italy, André joined Sporting Clube de Portugal in Portugal.

Back to Brazil

Eventually, André Cruz returned to Brazil. He played for Goiás and Internacional. He finished his long and successful playing career in Brazil.

International Career for Brazil

André Cruz played for the Brazilian national team from 1988 to 1998. He made 47 appearances for his country.

Youth Team Success

With the Brazil under-20 team, he achieved great things. He won a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. This event took place in Indianapolis. The next year, he won a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

Senior Team Achievements

André was also part of the senior Brazil team. They won the 1989 Copa América tournament. In 1995, he was on the team that won the Umbro Cup. That same year, Brazil finished second in the 1995 Copa América. He was also a member of the Brazilian squad that came in second place at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Honours and Trophies

André Cruz won several important trophies during his career.

Club Honours

• Flamengo
  • Copa do Brasil: 1990
• Internacional
  • Campeonato Gaúcho: 2003
• Standard Liège
  • Belgian Cup: 1992–93
• Milan
  • Serie A: 1998–99
• Sporting
  • SuperLiga: 1999–2000, 2001–02
  • Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2000
  • Taça de Portugal: 2001–02

International Honours

• Brazil
  • Pan American Games Gold Medal: 1987
  • Summer Olympic Silver Medal: 1988
  • Copa América: 1989 (Winner), Runner-up 1995
  • Umbro Cup: 1995
  • FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 1998

See also

In Spanish: André Cruz para niños