Anniversary: Valdo, the magician for whom Benfica is a "fever"

Valdo Filho, a former Benfica glory, has a special place in the Club's history. Born on January 12^th, 1964, the former Brazil international celebrates his 54^th anniversary and, for what he did with an eagle on his chest, he earned the right to be remembered as one of the best Reds' players in the 80's and 90's. 

In the most recent Gala of Benfica, in March 2017, Valdo spoke about the Club with passion: "Benfica has the tendency to grow more and more. In each Portuguese that is born, one is a Benfica fan. Benfica is a fever."

The"magician", a nickname given to him at the time, had two spells at Benfica: 1988-1991 and 1995-97. In between, he represented PSG. A longevity phenomenon, Valdo played until 2004, when with 40 years of age, he decided to end his career.

At Benfica, Valdo made is debut by the hand of Toni, in 1988. He played 184 matches for the Eagles, scored 29 goals and won 4 trophies (2 National Championships, 1 Portuguese Cup and 1 Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup).

Born in Siderópolis, in the Santa Catarina state, the former number 10 jersey made his first game for the "Glorioso" on August 28^th, 1988, against Espinho, a match that ended up with a 2-all draw, in the National Championship.

In his third match with an eagle on his chest, in the first leg of the UEFA Cup (current Europa League), Valdo scored, at 82’, his first goal with the "Sacred Mantle", in a match Benfica beat Montpellier (0-3), in France.

On May 24th, 1997, the "magician" scored his 29^th and last goal playing for Benfica, in a "clássico" from Matchweek 32 of the National Championship, against FC Porto.

The former glory said farewell to the Club on July 10th, 1997, day in which the Portuguese Cup took place. The Reds faced Boavista, but lost by (3-2).

Throughout his footballing career, the former playmaker also represented clubs such as Grémio, Nagoya Grampus, Cruzeiro, Santos, Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo, among others.

Text: Márcia Dores

Pics: Archive / SL Benfica