Júlio César (football goalkeeper, born 1979) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Júlio César

Júlio César with Inter Milan in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Júlio César Soares de Espíndola
Date of birth	(1979-09-03) 3 September 1979 (age 45)
Place of birth	Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height	1.87 m
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Youth career
1991–1997	Flamengo
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1997–2005	Flamengo	135	(0)
2005	Chievo	0	(0)
2005–2012	Inter Milan	228	(0)
2012–2014	Queens Park Rangers	24	(0)
2014	→ Toronto FC (loan)	7	(0)
2014–2017	Benfica	57	(0)
2018	Flamengo	1	(0)
Total		452	(0)
National team
1995	Brazil U17	7	(0)
2004–2014	Brazil	87	(0)
Honours Men's football Representing  Brazil FIFA Confederations Cup Winner 2009 South Africa Winner 2013 Brazil Copa América Winner 2004 Peru South American Youth Football Championship Third 1999 Argentina FIFA U-17 World Cup Runner-up 1995 Ecuador
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Júlio César Soares de Espíndola (born 3 September 1979), known as Júlio César, is a Brazilian former professional footballer. He played as a goalkeeper, protecting his team's goal.

Júlio César spent seven years playing for the Italian club Inter Milan. With Inter, he won many important titles. These included five Italian league championships (called Scudetti), the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League, and the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup. He was recognized as the best goalkeeper in Italy's top league (Serie A) in 2009 and 2010. He also won the Golden Glove award at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Júlio César played 87 games for the Brazilian national team. He was chosen to play in the FIFA World Cup three times: in 2006, 2010, and 2014. He also played in two Copa América tournaments, which are big competitions for South American teams.

Júlio César's Club Career

Júlio César played for several clubs during his career. He started in Brazil, then moved to Italy, England, Canada, and Portugal, before returning to Brazil to finish his career.

Starting with Flamengo and Chievo

Júlio César began his professional journey with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in 1997. He played his first game on 17 May that year. He quickly showed his talent, even saving a penalty kick in his debut.

He played for Flamengo until early 2005. During this time, he helped his team avoid being moved to a lower league several times. He became one of the goalkeepers with the most appearances for the club.

In January 2005, Júlio César moved to Italy. He first joined Chievo, but this was a temporary step. He was actually planning to join Inter Milan, but rules about non-European players meant he had to wait a bit.

Time at Inter Milan

In July 2005, Júlio César officially joined Inter Milan. He quickly became their main goalkeeper.

First Season: 2005–06

Júlio César made his first appearance for Inter on 10 August 2005. He helped his team win 2–0 in a Champions League qualifying match. His first big trophy with Inter was the Italian Supercup.

He played 40 games in his first season. Inter won the Italian league title and the Italian Cup that year. His great saves and ability to stop penalties helped him become the team's starting goalkeeper.

Winning More Titles: 2006–09

The next few seasons were very successful for Júlio César and Inter. In the 2006–07 season, Inter won the league title again, losing only one game all season. Júlio César played 32 matches and kept 12 clean sheets (meaning he didn't let any goals in).

In the 2007–08 season, he helped Inter win another league title. He kept 17 clean sheets in 35 league games, which was a personal best for him. In August 2008, he helped Inter win the Italian Supercup again by saving a penalty in a shootout. He reached 100 league appearances for Inter in September 2008.

Inter won the league title for the fourth time in a row in 2008–09. Júlio César again had 17 clean sheets. Because of his excellent play, he was named the best player of the season by ESPN Brasil in July 2009.

The Treble-Winning Season: 2009–10

Júlio César playing for Inter Milan

The 2009–10 season was amazing for Júlio César and Inter. He played 54 games in total. In November 2009, he signed a new contract with Inter until 2014.

In January 2010, he saved a penalty from his Brazilian teammate Ronaldinho in a big game against AC Milan, which Inter won 2–0. He was crucial in Inter's success in the Italian Cup and the Champions League. He made many important saves, especially against tough teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Inter won the Italian Cup on 5 May. Eleven days later, they won their fifth straight Italian league title. On 22 May, Inter won the Champions League final against Bayern Munich. This meant Inter won the "Treble" (league, cup, and Champions League) for the first time in Italian football history. Júlio César was named the best goalkeeper in Serie A and the UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year for his amazing performances.

FIFA Club World Cup Champion: 2010–11

For the 2010–11 season, Júlio César changed his jersey number to 1. In August 2010, he won his fourth Italian Supercup. In December, he helped Inter win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time. This made Inter one of the few teams to win five major trophies in a year (the Quintuple).

He was named the second-best goalkeeper in the world for 2010 by IFFHS. He also won the Inter Player of the Year award.

Leaving Inter: 2011–12

Júlio César (yellow shirt) and his teammates before a Champions League match against PFC CSKA Moscow on 27 September 2011

In the 2011–12 season, Júlio César played his 200th league game for Inter in October 2011. He also made his 50th Champions League appearance in November. He reached 100 clean sheets in Serie A in March 2012.

He played his 300th game for Inter in May 2012. After seven successful years, Júlio César decided to leave Inter Milan. He said it was a difficult decision, but he felt it was time for a new adventure.

Playing for Queens Park Rangers

On 29 August 2012, Júlio César joined Queens Park Rangers (QPR), an English Premier League club. He signed a four-year contract.

He made his Premier League debut on 15 September 2012, keeping a clean sheet against Chelsea. He played 26 games in his first season. However, QPR was moved down to a lower league at the end of the season.

After QPR was relegated, Júlio César didn't play much for the team. He was loaned to another club to get more playing time.

Loan to Toronto FC

On 7 February 2014, Júlio César was loaned to Toronto FC, a team in Major League Soccer (MLS) in Canada. He wanted to play more games to prepare for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Brazil. He played seven games for Toronto FC before returning to QPR in July 2014.

Leaving QPR

On 19 August 2014, Júlio César and QPR agreed to end his contract. He explained that he had not played in his second season due to some contract issues.

Time at Benfica

On 19 August 2014, Júlio César signed a two-year deal with Benfica, a top club in Portugal. He played his first game for them on 21 September.

In January 2015, he set a record for Benfica by not letting in a goal for 808 minutes in the Portuguese league. He also set a personal record for clean sheets that season. In July, he was named the Best Goalkeeper in the Portuguese league. He renewed his contract until 2018. He left Benfica in November 2017. During his time there, he won six trophies, including three league titles.

Returning to Flamengo

On 29 January 2018, Júlio César returned to his first club, Flamengo, after 13 years. He signed a short three-month contract to play his final games and say goodbye to the fans. He even wore the number 12 jersey, which was retired in honor of the fans.

He played his first game back for Flamengo on 8 March, wearing the captain's armband. Júlio César played his final professional football match on 22 April 2018, helping Flamengo win 2–0. He made five great saves in that game. He said he had cried a lot during the week thinking about his retirement, but he was prepared for his last game.

Júlio César's International Career

Júlio César played for Brazil's national teams at different age levels before joining the senior team.

Youth Teams: 1995–99

Júlio César was the main goalkeeper for the Brazil Under-17 squad in the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Championship. He kept clean sheets in all three group matches. Brazil reached the final but lost to Ghana.

Four years later, he was part of the Brazil Under-20 team for the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship.

First Senior Games and Copa América Win: 2003–04

Júlio César was first called up to the Brazil senior team for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup. He made his first international appearance in 2004 at the 2004 Copa América. He started in the opening game against Chile, keeping a clean sheet.

He was the starting goalkeeper throughout the tournament. In the final against Argentina, the game ended in a 2–2 draw. In the penalty shootout, Júlio César saved the first penalty, helping Brazil win 4–2. This was his first international trophy with Brazil.

Backup and 2006 FIFA World Cup: 2005–07

Júlio César was mostly a backup goalkeeper for Brazil during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. He was part of the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but he didn't play any games. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

After the World Cup, he worked hard to become Brazil's main goalkeeper. By September 2007, he had earned the starting spot.

Confederations Cup Glory and 2010 World Cup: 2008–10

Júlio César with Brazil at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Júlio César played a big role in Brazil's 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. He played in all 18 matches, keeping 10 clean sheets and letting in only 11 goals. He also set a Brazilian record by not conceding a goal for 581 minutes.

In June 2009, he was part of the Brazil squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played well throughout the tournament. In the final against the United States, Brazil won 3–2, and Júlio César earned his second international trophy. He had the most clean sheets in the tournament.

At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Júlio César played in all of Brazil's games. He kept his first World Cup clean sheet in the group match against Portugal. However, Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the Netherlands.

Copa América and a Short Break: 2011–12

In June 2011, Júlio César was called up for the 2011 Copa América. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout.

After a mistake in a friendly game in 2012, Júlio César was not called up for the national team for a while.

Confederations Cup Champion and Final World Cup: 2013–14

Júlio César lifting the Golden Glove award while wearing Iker Casillas' shirt as a token of respect

Júlio César returned to the national team in February 2013. He said he never gave up on playing for Brazil.

He was part of the squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. He played very well, keeping two clean sheets in the group stage. In the semi-final against Uruguay, he saved a penalty kick. Brazil won the final 3–0 against Spain, claiming their fourth title. Júlio César received the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Júlio César (left) and Fernandinho (right) training for Brazil at 2014 FIFA World Cup

In June 2014, Júlio César was named in Brazil's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup at home. In the round of 16, he saved two penalties in a shootout against Chile, helping Brazil advance. However, Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-final, and then 3–0 to the Netherlands in the third-place play-off. After the tournament, Júlio César retired from the national team.

Júlio César's Playing Style

Júlio César is considered one of Brazil's best goalkeepers ever. He was known for being athletic, strong, and brave. He had quick reflexes and was good at stopping shots. He was also good at coming off his line quickly and catching crosses. Even though he wasn't the tallest goalkeeper, he was very effective in his penalty area. He was also good with the ball at his feet and skilled at saving penalties.

Júlio César's Personal Life

Júlio César is a Roman Catholic. He is married to Brazilian model and actress Susana Werner. They have two children together. He is sponsored by the sports brand Asics.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours and Awards

Júlio César won many trophies and received several awards throughout his career.

Club Trophies

Flamengo

• Copa dos Campeões: 2001
• Campeonato Carioca: 2000, 2001, 2004
• Taça Guanabara: 2001, 2004
• Taça Rio: 2000
• Copa dos Campeões Mundiais: 1997

Inter Milan

• Serie A (Italian League): 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
• Coppa Italia (Italian Cup): 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11
• Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Supercup): 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
• UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2010

Benfica

• Primeira Liga (Portuguese League): 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17
• Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup): 2016–17
• Taça da Liga (Portuguese League Cup): 2014–15
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Supercup): 2016

International Trophies

Brazil

• Copa América: 2004
• FIFA Confederations Cup: 2009, 2013

Individual Awards

• Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year: 2008–09, 2009–10
• UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year: 2009–10
• ESM Team of the Year: 2009–10
• Pirata d'Oro (Internazionale Player Of The Year): 2010
• FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Glove Award: 2013
• FIFA Confederations Cup Dream Team: 2013
• Primeira Liga Best Goalkeeper: 2014–15
• Inter Milan Hall of Fame: 2020
• IFFHS CONMEBOL team of the decade 2011–2020

Records

• One of only three Brazilian goalkeepers to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or award.
• Holds the Brazil national team record for most minutes without letting in a goal (581 minutes).
• The Brazilian goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in Italy's Serie A (10 saves).
• The Brazilian goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in Serie A (101 in 228 matches).
• Most clean sheets in a single Serie A season for Inter: 17 in 2009–10 season.

Images for kids

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  Júlio César with Inter Milan in 2011

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  Júlio César playing for Inter Milan

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  Júlio César (yellow shirt) and his teammates before a Champions League match

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  Júlio César with Brazil at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

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  Júlio César lifting the Golden Glove award

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  Júlio César (left) and Fernandinho (right) training for Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

See also

In Spanish: Júlio César Soares Espíndola para niños