André Luís Garcia

Santos

Born in Porto Alegre, but raised in Bagé, Luís spent the majority of his youth career in his home-town club, Guarany. At age 19, he moved to Santos, where he made his professional debut on 22 March 2000, in 7–2 win against Araçatuba, for the Campeonato Paulista. He quickly gained a place in the starting eleven, leading to a call-up to represent Brazil in the 2000 Summer Olympics. However a year later, a compromising performance in the semifinal of the Campeonato Paulista with Corinthians, cost him his place at Santos and he was loaned out to Fluminense for the remainder of the season. At Fluminense, Luís regained his best form and helped them finish third in the Brasileirão, as Santos recalled him back. The following year, he partnered with Alex to help Santos win their first league title since 1968. His partnership with Alex was dubbed by the media as Twin Towers, due to their high stature. In 2003, Luís was part of the first Santos team to reach the Copa Libertadores Finals since 1963; losing it to Boca Juniors. Domestically, he won his second league title in 2004, starting in 39 games and partnering with either Domingos or Ávalos.

Benfica

In September 2004, the media started speculating about a potential move to Europe in the next transfer window. Atlético Madrid enquired about his situation, but was Benfica who pressed harder. After three months of negotiations, Luís signed a three-year contract with Benfica, leaving Santos with over 200…

Santos Brasileirão: 2002, 2004 Benfica Primeira Liga: 2004–05 Taça de Portugal: Runner-up 2004–05 Fluminense Brasileirão: 2010