Mirandinha facts for kids

Francisco Ernandi Lima da Silva (born 2 July 1959 in Brasilia), better known as Mirandinha, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a striker.

Club career

He had unsuccessful early spells at Ceará and Fortaleza, before finding some success at the 'third club' in Fortaleza city, Ferroviário. He then moved to play for Ponte Preta. As of 1981 he was playing for Botafogo in the Taça de Ouro.

Mirandinha signed for Newcastle United in 1987 for £575,000, becoming the first Brazilian to play in English football. He made his debut in September 1987, in a 1–1 draw away to Norwich City. He left Newcastle in 1989, returning to his former club Palmeiras.

In 1991, he moved from Palmeiras to join Belenenses, although he was only there for a short time, playing three Portuguese League matches. By late February he was playing for Corinthians, and he scored two goals for them in the 1991 Copa Libertadores.

After leaving Corinthians he played for Fortaleza, and he then had spells in Japan with Shimizu S-Pulse and Shonan Bellmare.

International career

Mirandinha won four caps for the Brazilian national team, all in 1987, with his only international goal coming against England in a 1–1 draw during the 1987 Rous Cup.

Post-playing career

As of July 2013 he was a director at Maguary, who were playing in the third division of the Campeonato Cearense. In 2014 he was the manager of the Castelão stadium in Fortaleza, a host venue in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Club statistics

A.  Two appearances and one goal in Simod Cup included in total.

B.  One appearance in Simod Cup and one appearance in Mercantile Credit Centenary Trophy included in total.