Andrei Frascarelli

Andrei Frascarelli (born 21 February 1973), sometimes known simply as Andrei, is a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a defender.

He moved clubs regularly during his 19 year career, which included spells at 14 clubs in four countries. He made 31 appearances in Spain's La Liga for Atlético Madrid.

Andrei Frascarelli was a youth international for Brazil, and represented his country at the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal, where they finished as runners-up.

Club career

Andrei was born in Pederneiras in the state of São Paulo, and started his professional career in 1989 with nearby XV de Jaú, which was competing in the lower reaches of the Brazilian league system. He was quickly identified as a promising talent, and prior to the 1991 season he was signed by São Paulo-based Série A giants Palmeiras. but recovered by beating Australia 3–1 and East Germany 2–1 to progress as runners-up. They drew their quarter-final 0–0 against Bahrain at Fir Park in Motherwell, and Andrei Frascarelli was the only Brazilian player able to convert his penalty as they were eliminated 4–1.

He was selected again for the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal, playing in all six games as Brazil reached the final. Andrei Frascarelli scored Brazil's first goal of the tournament as they beat the Ivory Coast 2–1 at the Estádio das Antas in Porto. They went on to draw 2–2 with Mexico and beat Sweden 2–0 at the same stadium to progress as group winners. In the knockout stages they saw off Korea 5–1 in Porto and the Soviet Union 3–0 at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriqueses in Guimarães to set up a final clash with the hosts. The match, held at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, ended 0–0, so the tournament would be decided on penalties. Andrei Frascarelli was on target again, but Brazil ultimately lost 4–2 and had to be content with the silver medal.

Despite this successful youth career, Andrei Frascarelli never received a call-up to the senior national team.