Valdo

Valdo Cândido Filho (born 12 January 1964), known simply as Valdo, is a Brazilian football manager and former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

In a senior playing career spanning more than two decades, he played in Brazil, Portugal, France and Japan, and was notably associated with Grêmio, Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain. He later managed the Congo national football team from 2018 to 2021.

Valdo earned more than 40 caps for the Brazil national football team, representing his country at two FIFA World Cup tournaments and two Copa América editions. He was part of the Brazil squad that won the 1989 Copa América.

Club career Born in Siderópolis, Santa Catarina, Valdo began playing football with Figueirense Futebol Clube, making his professional debuts with Grêmio Football Porto-Alegrense, with which he won four consecutive Rio Grande do Sul Leagues.

In the summer of 1988 he signed with S.L. Benfica of Portugal alongside compatriot Ricardo Gomes, a central defender. Both were important elements in their debut season as the team won the Primeira Liga championship, a feat which was again accomplished in 1991, with the midfielder netting five goals in 26 matches.

Both Valdo and Gomes left for Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the 1991 summer, and both would return four years later to the Lisbon side, having won a total of four titles, including the 1993–94 edition of the Ligue 1. In his second Benfica spell, he played in 30 league matches in each of his two seasons, winning the Taça de Portugal in 1996.

Aged 32, Valdo joined J1 League club Nagoya Grampus Eight, and returned to his country after two slow years. He would continue to play until the age of 40, representing six teams in quick succession (he ended his career after having helped Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas achieve its return to the Série A).

Valdo began working as a manager in 2009, in Brazilian amateur football. Five years later, he rejoined his former Benfica boss Artur Jorge at MC Alger from Algeria.

International career Valdo earned 45 caps for the Brazil national team, during six years. Before having made his first appearance he was called to the 1986 FIFA World Cup squad, but did not play one single second.

In the 1990 edition in Italy, Valdo was already a starter, and took part in the country's four matches in the tournament, including the round-of-16 1–0 loss against Argentina.

Style of play Valdo was a technically skilled midfielder, noted for his vision, passing and physical condition. Originally used as a left winger during his early career, he was later moved into a central playmaking role at Grêmio under Rubens Minelli.

Personal life Upon retiring from football, Valdo settled in Portugal with his Portuguese wife. The couple had one daughter, Tatiele, who died in a car accident at only 13.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Grêmio Campeonato Gaúcho: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

Benfica Primeira Liga: 1988–89, 1990–91 Taça de Portugal:

Paris Saint-Germain Ligue 1: 1993–94 Coupe de France: 1992–93, 1994–95 Coupe de la Ligue: 1994–95

Cruzeiro Campeonato Mineiro: 1998 Recopa Sudamericana: 1999 Copa Centro-Oeste: 1999

Brazil Copa América: 1989 Pan American Games gold medal: 1987 South American Pre-Olympic Tournament: 1987 Rous Cup: 1987

Individual World Soccer World XI: 1990, 1991 Bola de Prata (Silver Ball): 1998