Sávio Bortolini Pimentel (born 9 January 1974), simply Sávio (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsavi̯u]), is a former Brazilian footballer. Known as "Anjo Loiro" ("Blonde Angel") and "Diabo Loiro" ("Blonde Devil"), he played most of his professional career in Spain – being a part of Real Madrid's setup during four and a half seasons and appearing in more than 300 official games with four different teams.
A Brazilian international in the mid/late 1990s, Sávio represented the nation in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
[edit] Club career
Born in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Sávio started his footballing career at the Desportiva Capixaba youth team. Still as a junior, Sávio was transferred to Rio de Janeiro's Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, where he made his professional debut. [1] He was hailed as the new Zico by the fans and the press due to his footballing ability, but also due to his frail physique. In 1995, as part of Flamengo's centennial celebrations, he teamed up with the volatile Romário and Edmundo. After clashing against Romário, Sávio was transfered to Real Madrid in 1998, helping the La Liga powerhouse to three UEFA Champions League titles and the 2001 national championship.[2] In 2002–03, he served a loan stint in France, at FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
In the following season, Sávio returned to Spain and was one of the most important players in Real Zaragoza, for which he played three seasons; in his first, the Aragonese won the domestic cup, precisely against Real Madrid. In 2004–05, he scored a career-best 10 league goals.
In May 2006, Sávio returned to Brazil and Flamengo on a free transfer, signing a contract until December 2007. However, on 5 January 2007 it was announced that Sávio would be transferred to Real Sociedad, also in Spain, for which he played his first league game on the 21st, against Valencia CF.[3] After the Basque's relegation, he joined Levante UD on 20 June 2007, and played there until January of the following year, leaving as many teammates due to unpaid wages.
After a spell back in Brazil with lowly Desportiva Capixaba, Sávio signed in August 2008 with Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta FC, appearing with the club in the 2008–09 Champions League.[4] In January 2010, the 36-year old returned to his country, joining Avaí Futebol Clube.[5] After playing 25 matches and scoring 4 times for the Santa Catarina club, Sávio retired in the end of 2010. [6]
[edit] International career
Never a part of any FIFA World Cup finals squad, Sávio did however play with Brazil at the 1995 Copa América, where the nation lost the final to Uruguay on penalties.
He also won the bronze medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia,[7] going on to collect a total of 21 full caps, with four goals.
[edit] Honours
[edit] Country
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Persondata |
| Name |
Sávio |
| Alternative names |
Sávio Bortolini Pimentel |
| Short description |
Footballer |
| Date of birth |
9 January 1974 |
| Place of birth |
Vila Velha, Brazil |
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|
Brazil
