Alexandre da Silva Mariano

Born in Capivari, during his youth, and before he turned professional, Amaral worked at a funeral parlor. Developed at Palmeiras, for which he made his debut in 1992. He appeared in 244 matches for Palmeiras, and helped them win the 1993 and 1994 Brasileirão, as well two Campeonato Paulista in the same years. He scored his only goal for Palmeiras in a 5–1 win against Grêmio in the quarter-finals of the 1995 Copa Libertadores. With his performances, Palmeiras sold him to Parma in 1996. The Italians had Buffon, Hernán Crespo, Dino Baggio and Lilian Thuram, with Amaral struggled to perform, only making four appearances, before being loaned to Benfica in December 1996. He made his debut on a home draw against Marítimo on 22 December 1996, and quickly earned his place in the starting XI, in favour of Bruno Caires and Jamir Gomes. He returned to Palmeiras for the remaining Brazilian league, helping the São Paulo-side finish second. In December 1997, Amaral moved back to Benfica on a permanent deal, as an election promise from João Vale e Azevedo. However, he appeared only sporadically, as Graeme Souness opted for Kandaurov in 1997–98, and then signed Michael Thomas in the following season. In July 1998, he was loaned to Corinthians for one year. There, he was part of the squad that won two consecutive league titles, in 1998 and 1999, as well another State Championship. A year later, he moved to Vasco da Gama on the same predicament. He continued to bag league titles, winning his…

Amaral made his debut for the Brazil national team on 27 September 1995, in a 2–1 win against Romania. In January 1996, he participated in the 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup, won by Mexico against Brazil, and six months later played the Summer Olympics alongside Roberto Carlos, Bebeto, Ronaldo and Rivaldo, finishing with the bronze medal. His last game was on 31 August 1996, in a friendly against Netherlands.

Palmeiras

Serie A: 1993, 1994, Campeonato Paulista: 1993, 1994, 1996 Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1993 Copa do Brasil runner-up: 1996 Copa libertadores 2004 Corinthians

Serie A: 1998, 1999 Campeonato Paulista: 1999 Vasco da Gama

Serie A: 2000 Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1999 Guanabara Cup: 2000 Mercosul Cup: 2000 Fiorentina

Coppa Italia: 2000–01 Beşiktaş

Süper Lig: 2002–03