Júlio César (football goalkeeper, born 1979) facts for kids
Júlio César with Inter Milan in 2011
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Júlio César Soares de Espíndola | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 3 September 1979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | 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) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1995 | Brazil U17 | 7 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2004–2014 | Brazil | 87 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Júlio César Soares de Espíndola (born 3 September 1979), known as Júlio César, is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
He played for the Italian club Inter Milan for seven years. During this time, he helped them win five Italian league titles (called Scudetti). He also won the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League and the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup. Júlio César was named the best goalkeeper in Italy's Serie A league in 2009 and 2010. He also won the Golden Glove award at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Júlio César played 87 international matches for the Brazilian national team. He was part of the Brazil squad for the 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments. He also played in two Copa América tournaments.
Contents
Club Career Highlights
Starting at Flamengo and Chievo
Júlio César started his professional football journey with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo in 1997. He played his first game on 17 May that year. He became a key player for Flamengo, helping them avoid relegation several times. He played 285 games for the club, becoming one of their top goalkeepers.
In January 2005, he moved to Italy to join Chievo. This move was a step towards joining Inter Milan. Due to league rules about non-European players, he first registered with Chievo.
Success with Inter Milan
In July 2005, Júlio César officially joined Inter Milan. He quickly became their main goalkeeper.
First Season and Early Wins
Júlio César made his debut for Inter on 10 August 2005. He helped the team win the Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia. Inter also won the league title that season. His great saves and ability to stop penalties made him the team's starting goalkeeper.
Winning More Titles (2006–2009)
The 2006–07 season was very successful. Júlio César played 32 matches as Inter won the league title for the 15th time. He kept 12 clean sheets, meaning he didn't let the other team score in those games.
In the 2007–08 season, he helped Inter win another league title. He kept 17 clean sheets in 35 league matches, which was a personal best. He also played in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana against Roma. In the penalty shootout, he saved a penalty, helping Inter win the trophy.
By July 2009, Júlio César was recognized as one of the best players in Brazil playing outside the country.
The Treble-Winning Season (2009–2010)
The 2009–10 season was amazing for Júlio César and Inter. He played 54 matches in total. In November 2009, he signed a new contract with Inter until 2014.
He saved a penalty in a big game against AC Milan, helping Inter win 2–0. He was also important in the Coppa Italia and Champions League campaigns. He made many crucial saves, especially against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.
Inter won the Coppa Italia on 5 May. Eleven days later, Júlio César won his fifth straight league title with Inter. On 22 May, in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, he made excellent saves. Inter won 2–0, winning their first European title in 45 years.
By winning the league, Coppa Italia, and Champions League, Inter became the first Italian club to win the "Treble" (three major trophies in one season). Júlio César was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year for the second time. He also won the UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year award.
FIFA Club World Cup Champion (2010–2011)
For the new season, Júlio César changed his jersey number to 1. In August 2010, he won his fourth Supercoppa Italiana trophy. He also helped Inter win the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup for the first time. This meant Inter completed the "Quintuple" (five trophies in a year).
He was named the second-best goalkeeper in the world for 2010 by IFFHS. He also won the Pirata d'Oro Award as Inter's Player of the Year.
Final Season at Inter (2011–2012)
In the 2011–12 season, Júlio César played his 200th league match for Inter. He also reached 100 clean sheets in the Italian league. On 6 May, he played his 300th game for Inter in all competitions.
After seven successful years, Júlio César decided to leave Inter Milan in July 2012. He thanked the fans for their support.
Moving to Queens Park Rangers
On 29 August 2012, Júlio César joined the English club Queens Park Rangers (QPR). He made his debut on 15 September 2012, keeping a clean sheet in a game against Chelsea. He played 26 games in his first season, but QPR was relegated from the Premier League.
Loan to Toronto FC
In February 2014, Júlio César went on loan to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Toronto FC. This move helped him get more playing time before the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played seven games for Toronto FC before returning to QPR in July 2014.
He left QPR in August 2014, explaining that he had not played much in his second season due to contract issues.
Playing for Benfica
On 19 August 2014, Júlio César signed a two-year contract with Portuguese champions Benfica. He made his debut on 21 September. In January 2015, he set a record for Benfica by not conceding a goal for 808 minutes in the league. He also set a personal best for clean sheets.
He renewed his contract with Benfica until 2018. During his time there, he won six trophies, including three league titles. He left the club in November 2017.
Returning to Flamengo
On 29 January 2018, Júlio César returned to his first club, Flamengo, 13 years after leaving. He signed a short three-month contract to play his final games. He wore the number 12 jersey, which was special because it was previously retired in honor of the fans.
Júlio César played his last professional football match on 22 April 2018, in a 2–0 win against América Mineiro. He had a great performance, making five saves. He said he was very emotional during the week leading up to the game.
International Career
Youth Teams (1995–1999)
Júlio César was the starting goalkeeper for the Brazil Under-17 team 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.
Debut and Copa América Win (2003–2004)
Júlio César was first called up to the senior Brazil team in 2003. He made his first international appearance in the 2004 Copa América against Chile, keeping a clean sheet. He was the starting goalkeeper throughout the tournament. In the final against Argentina, the game went to a penalty shootout. Júlio César saved a penalty, helping Brazil win their 7th Copa América title.
Backup and World Cup (2005–2007)
Júlio César was mostly a backup goalkeeper during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He was part of the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup but did not play. After the World Cup, he became Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper in September 2007.
Confederations Cup and World Cup (2008–2010)
Júlio César played a big role in Brazil's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification. He kept 10 clean sheets in 18 games. He also set a Brazil record by not conceding a goal for 581 minutes, breaking the previous record.
In June 2009, he was part of the Brazil squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He played well, helping Brazil win the tournament by defeating the United States 3–2 in the final. He had the most clean sheets in the tournament.
At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Júlio César played his first World Cup match on 15 June. He also played his 50th international game in the second group match. Brazil reached the quarter-finals but lost to the Netherlands.
Copa América and Later Years (2011–2012)
Júlio César was called up for the 2011 Copa América. Brazil was eliminated in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout. After this, he was not called up for the national team for a while.
Confederations Cup Champion and Final World Cup (2013–2014)
Júlio César returned to the national team in February 2013. He was part of the squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. He played well, saving a penalty in the semi-final against Uruguay. 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.
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On 2 June 2014, Júlio César was named in Brazil's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup at home. In the round of 16 match against Chile, he saved two penalties in the shootout, sending Brazil to the quarter-finals. He was named Man of the Match for his efforts. However, Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-final. After Brazil lost the third-place play-off match, Júlio César retired from the national team.
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, good agility, and was excellent at stopping shots. He was also good at reading the game and coming off his line quickly. Despite not being the tallest goalkeeper, he was good at catching crosses and controlling his penalty area. He was also known for his ball skills and ability to stop penalties.
Personal Life
Júlio César is Roman Catholic. He is married to Brazilian model and actress Susana Werner. They have two children together.
Career Statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Flamengo | 1997 | Série A | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||
| 1998 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||||
| 1999 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2000 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 0 | ||||
| 2001 | 26 | 0 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 32 | 0 | ||||
| 2002 | 16 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — | 30 | 0 | |||
| 2003 | 43 | 0 | 11 | 0 | — | — | 54 | 0 | ||||
| 2004 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 35 | 0 | |||
| Total | 135 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 7 | 0 | — | 170 | 0 | |||
| Chievo | 2004–05 | Serie A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Inter Milan | 2005–06 | 29 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 0 | |
| 2006–07 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 0 | ||
| 2007–08 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 44 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09 | 36 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 45 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10 | 38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11 | 25 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 39 | 0 | ||
| 2011–12 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 0 | ||
| Total | 228 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 300 | 0 | ||
| Queens Park Rangers | 2012–13 | Premier League | 24 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 26 | 0 | ||
| 2013–14 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 24 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 27 | 0 | ||||
| Toronto FC (loan) | 2014 | Major League Soccer | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 7 | 0 | ||
| Benfica | 2014–15 | Primeira Liga | 23 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 30 | 0 | |
| 2015–16 | 24 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 0 | ||
| 2016–17 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2017–18 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| Total | 57 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 81 | 0 | ||
| Flamengo | 2018 | Série A | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Career total | 452 | 0 | 51 | 0 | 73 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 586 | 0 | ||
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2004 | 9 | 0 |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 17 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 10 | 0 | |
| Total | 87 | 0 | |
Honours and Awards
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: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
- Coppa Italia: 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
- UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2010
Benfica
- Primeira Liga: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17
- Taça de Portugal: 2016–17
- Taça da Liga: 2014–15
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2016
Brazil National Team
- 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 three Brazilian goalkeepers nominated for the Ballon d'Or (with Dida and Alisson)
- Brazil national team record for most minutes without conceding a goal (581 minutes, set in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification)
- The Brazilian goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in Serie A: 10 saves from 26 attempts
- 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 (shared with Samir Handanović)
See also
In Spanish: Júlio César Soares Espíndola para niños
