Who is Juninho Pernambucano? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr.

Age: 49 Years, 49 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Renata Laet Azevedo Reis

Born Country: Brazil

Football Players Brazilian Men

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

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1

What was Juninho Pernambucano's playing style?

Juninho was known for his exceptional free-kick ability and precise passing skills, making him a key playmaker on the field.
2

Which clubs did Juninho Pernambucano play for during his career?

Juninho played for clubs such as Vasco da Gama, Lyon, and Al-Gharafa during his professional career.
3

How many goals did Juninho Pernambucano score from free-kicks?

Juninho scored an impressive total of over 75 goals from free-kicks throughout his career, showcasing his mastery in set-piece situations.
4

Did Juninho Pernambucano ever coach a professional team?

Yes, Juninho transitioned into coaching after retiring as a player, taking on roles with various clubs to share his knowledge and experience with younger players.
5

What impact did Juninho Pernambucano have on the football world?

Juninho's influence on the football world extended beyond his playing days, inspiring many with his skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport.

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Childhood & Early Life

Juninho Pernambucano was born as Antônio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr. on January 30, 1975, in Recife, Brazil. Being born in a football-crazy nation, Juninho was no exception and duly fell in love with the sport as a young boy.

He joined the local club Sport Club do Recife as a youth footballer and spent a year at their youth camp before making the cut to the first team.

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Club Career

Juninho was promoted to the first team at Sport Club do Recife after a year in their academy. He was part of the club for two years before deciding to move on to the next level.

He appeared 24 times for Sport Club do Recife before signing with the iconic Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 1995. He went on to spend six years at the club, appearing in 111 competitive matches and scoring 26 goals.

He won two Campeonato Brasileiro Série A league titles in 1997 and 2000. Apart from the league titles, Juninho also won four more titles with Vasco da Gama, including a Copa Libertadores in 1998.

European clubs always keep an eye on Latin American footballers, looking out for rare and exciting talents. Juninho, at the age of 26, looked like a player in his prime, ready to take European football by storm.

In 2001, Olympique Lyonnais, who had never won the French League, showed ambition and decided to acquire him. Juninho was signed by the club in a pursuit to win the league for the first time.

Juninho brought experience with him to the club which had several exciting young players. The balance of youth and experience at the club made the fans hopeful for finally winning the prestigious league for the first time after finishing second the previous year.

What followed his arrival at the club is glorious history! Juninho played a crucial role as part of Lyon in the next few years of its golden period, scoring 75 goals and providing 47 assists, winning seven consecutive league titles on the way.

After spending eight years at Lyon, Juninho left the club as a free agent, despite having a year left on his contract. He joined Al-Gharafa, a top Qatari club, for a two-year deal. He won the domestic treble with the club and finished the season as the league’s best player.

Juninho ended his two years at Al-Gharafa and returned to his homeland only to make a comeback with his former club Vasco da Gama. He stayed with the club for a year and scored a few of his trademark free-kick goals, including one against their fiercest rival, Corinthians.

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He tried his luck in the United States after deciding to join the Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls. However, things didn’t go as planned and after 13 appearances for the club, both parties agreed on cancelling the contract and part ways.

He made another comeback to Vasco da Gama in July 2013 and represented them in 21 games.

International Career

Juninho was somewhat unlucky trying to break into the national side which was experiencing a golden period in the 2000s. Despite having a brilliant club career, Juninho failed to make the cut for the national sides that played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and the 2004 Copa America.

He did, however, appear in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, Brazil lost against France in the quarterfinals and Juninho announced his international retirement.

Juninho hung up his boots in 2013. Six years later, in 2019, he was appointed the director of football by his former French club Lyon.

Family & Personal Life

Juninho had been in a relationship with Renata Laet Azevedo Reis for a few years before getting married.

Facts About Juninho Pernambucano

Juninho Pernambucano is known for his incredible free-kick accuracy, having scored numerous goals from direct free-kicks throughout his career.

He holds the record for the most goals scored from free-kicks in the history of the French Ligue 1, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision.

Juninho is also known for his versatility on the field, having played in various midfield positions and adapting to different tactical systems over the years.

Off the pitch, Juninho is recognized for his charitable work and community involvement, showing his commitment to giving back to society.

Despite his success and fame as a footballer, Juninho remains humble and down-to-earth, earning respect for his professionalism and dedication to the sport.

Juninho Pernambucano Biography

You wanted to know

What was Juninho Pernambucano's playing style?

Which clubs did Juninho Pernambucano play for during his career?

How many goals did Juninho Pernambucano score from free-kicks?

Did Juninho Pernambucano ever coach a professional team?

What impact did Juninho Pernambucano have on the football world?