Helton

Porto It seemed that Helton was destined to spend a long time bench-warming, as Porto legend Vítor Baía barred his way into the first team. However, he got his chance sooner than expected when Dutch coach Co Adriaanse summarily dropped Baía after a mistake against Estrela da Amadora cost the team a goal and a 2–1 away loss on 15 January 2006.

After initial criticism, Helton became first-choice courtesy of several solid performances. He won a domestic double (Primeira Liga and cup) in his first season at the club.

Helton continued to be an undisputed starter for Porto in the following years, as they won four consecutive domestic championships. In 2008–09's Portuguese Cup, however, he stayed on the bench as Nuno Espírito Santo was the starter for the eventual winners.

From 2009 to 2011, Helton totalled 77 games and his team claimed six titles. In October 2010, he was awarded Portuguese citizenship.

On 18 May 2011, Helton celebrated his 33rd birthday by keeping a clean sheet in the final of the UEFA Europa League, a 1–0 victory over fellow Portuguese Braga. Following the departure of Lucho González to Marseille in summer 2009, he was also appointed captain.

Helton played 30 matches in the 2012–13 campaign, winning his seventh league. On 16 March 2014, however, the 35-year-old suffered an achilles tendon injury to his right leg during a 1–0 defeat at Sporting CP, being sidelined for several months.

On 17 February 2014, Helton was condemned to pay a €60,000 fine for assaulting two stewards at the Estádio da Luz, following a tunnel brawl during the 1–0 loss against Benfica on 20 December 2009. After returning to action, he played second-fiddle to both Fabiano and Iker Casillas.

Helton terminated his contract on 12 October 2016 at the age of 38. He announced his retirement the following year, but returned shortly after to play as a forward for the veteran side of amateurs Canidelo.

Helton started his coaching career in January 2018, being appointed at Portuguese third division club Freamunde. He briefly returned as a player in October 2020, rejoining União Leiria who now competed in the third tier.

International career After competing in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship, Helton was a member of the Brazilian team at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He appeared in all four matches as the nation was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon.

Helton received his first call-up to the full side in 2006, taking part in an unofficial exhibition game against Kuwait on 7 October. His competitive debut came on 15 November that year when he started a friendly with Switzerland, and he was also featured against England in June 2007, in what was the first international to be played at the new Wembley Stadium.

Helton was a member of the squad who won the 2007 Copa América, but did not feature once in the tournament as he was second choice to Roma's Doni.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Vasco da Gama Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2000 Campeonato Carioca: 1998 Copa Mercosur: 2000 Taça Guanabara: 2000 Taça Rio: 2001

Porto Primeira Liga: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13 Taça de Portugal: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 UEFA Europa League: 2010–11

Brazil Copa América: 2007

Individual Primeira Liga Goalkeeper of the Year: 2010–11, 2012–13