Júlio César

Júlio César Soares Espíndola, born on September 3, 1979 in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, is considered one of the greatest Brazilian goalkeepers of his generation and one of the best in the history of Italian football. With exceptional reflexes, excellent positioning and outstanding ball-playing ability well above the standards of his era, Júlio César was a reference in his position for more than a decade. His most glorious career path took place at Inter Milan, where he was an essential part of the historic Treble in 2009-10 under the command of José Mourinho — winning the Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League in the same season, something Inter had not achieved since 1965. For the Brazilian National Team, he was the starting goalkeeper in the World Cups of 2006, 2010 and 2014. The 2014 World Cup, held on Brazilian soil, was the most painful moment of his career, when Brazil suffered the historic 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semifinals. Even facing the collective trauma, Júlio César maintained professionalism and dignity, receiving a standing ovation from fans as he left the pitch.