Elpídio Silva

Born in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Silva started his professional career with Atlético Mineiro but quickly moved overseas, joining J1 League club Kashiwa Reysol. After just one season, he signed for Portugal's Braga, where he remained until June 2000. Silva's most productive period, however, was lived with fellow Primeira Liga side Boavista. There, he was instrumental in winning the 2001 national championship (their only) by scoring 11 goals, one coming in the decisive 3–0 home victory against Aves in the last round. In the subsequent edition of the UEFA Champions League, Silva scored in a 1–1 draw at Liverpool, also finding the net in the second match between the two teams, with the same result. In Boavista's UEFA Cup semi-final run the following campaign, he labelled Celtic a "one-man team" prior to the sides' meeting in the competition's semi-finals; the Scots won 2–1 on aggregate, with Henrik Larsson – the "one man" of Silva's tirade – scoring the decisive goal in Porto. A move to Sporting CP ensued but, barred by newly signed compatriot Liédson, Silva received few opportunities to shine. He did score six times in the league in his debut season, also being loaned to Vitória de Guimarães in between. Released by the Lisbon club in January 2006, Silva subsequently represented Derby County, where he did not appear due to fitness problems, Corinthians Alagoano, Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Alki Larnaca. In January 2009, he moved to AEK Larnaca also in the Cypriot First Division.