The Brazilian left-back who was replaced by an emerging Ashley Cole at Arsenal, has found success in Spain with Celta Vigo and, now, Barcelona
Born in Sao Paulo, Sylvinho started his professional career at local club Corinthians in 1994. After six seasons in which he won two national titles, one cup and three state titles, the deeply religious left-back became Arsenal’s first Brazilian player in 1999.
Lightweight and speedy and effective on the overlap, he performed adequately in the Premier League, replacing long-time fan favourite Nigel Winterburn. But Sylvinho was displaced himself by Ashley Cole and Arsenal accepted a 2001 bid from Celta Vigo, where he enjoyed three outstanding seasons.
Barça signed him for €2 million in 2004 and though he’s had to share his starts with other players, the six-cap Brazilian international has been an important squad member at Camp Nou.