Itaparica

Manoel dos Santos Filho (; born 8 July 1980), commonly known as Itaparica, is a former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Born in Brazil, he represented Hong Kong internationally.

Club career

South China Itaparica played in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for several clubs, including Cruzeiro, Avai and Portuguesa. He joined South China and made his debut for the team on the away league game against Lanwa Redbull on 15 September 2007, where the team won by 3–1. He scored his first goal for the team in the league match against Workable on 26 September 2007, where the team won by 6–1.

Pegasus After the 2009–10 season, Itaparica was a top scorer in Hong Kong for three consecutive seasons. It was a notable achievement considering he played most of the time as an attacking midfielder for TSW Pegasus. He was able to score in all the competitions he played in with an scoring percentage of nearly 60%. Due to his performance he was named 'Hong Kong Best Eleven' in last 3 seasons.

South China In the 2012–13 season, Itaparica rejoined South China.

Eastern On 11 June 2013, Eastern Salon announced their 22-men squad for the following season. Itaparica joined them after South China opted not to extend his contract.

South China Itaparica rejoins South China for the third time in summer 2014.

Tai Po After a season with China League One club Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard, Itaparica decided to return to Hong Kong. He signed with HKPL side Tai Po on 30 December 2016. On 18 March, Itaparica collided with a Southern player during a Premier League match. He sprained his right knee and was subsequently ruled out for six weeks. He returned in time for Tai Po's Sapling Cup Final match against Pegasus on 3 May during which he won his first trophy since returning to Hong Kong.

R&F In July 2017, the South China Morning Post reported that Itaparica would join R&F.

On 19 June 2019, head coach Yeung Ching Kwong revealed that Itaparica would not be retained. He announced his retirement from football after the season on 30 August 2019 and returned to Brazil in November of the same year.

International career Itaparica was born and raised in Brazil. In September 2014, Itaparica applied for the HKSAR passport and was granted one on 4 November 2015. As a result, he became eligible to play for the Hong Kong national team. On 31 December 2015, he earned his first cap for the national team during the 38th Guangdong–Hong Kong Cup, an unofficial tournament.

On 3 January 2016, Itaparica scored his first goal for the national team. He made his formal debut for Hong Kong in a FIFA World Cup qualifying 2-0 loss against Qatar in March of that year.

On 24 March 2016, Itaparica made his international debut for Hong Kong in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Qatar.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Pegasus Hong Kong FA Cup: 2009–10

South China Hong Kong First League: 2012–13

Eastern Hong Kong FA Cup: 2013–14

Tai Po Hong Kong Sapling Cup: 2016–17