Kuki

Náutico

Kuki made his professional debut for Náutico on 21 January 2001, at the age of 28. He quickly established himself as a decisive player, scoring his first official goal later that year and playing a key role in Náutico’s victory in the Pernambucano Championship during the club’s centenary season, for which he was named the tournament’s breakthrough player. In the Brazilian Series B, he also gained prominence alongside Carlinhos Bala, as Náutico finished third. In the same year Kuki was the second-highest scorer in the Brazilian Séries B with 14 goals.

2002

In 2002, Kuki contributed to Náutico’s second consecutive state championship, scoring important goals in derby matches. In December of that year, Kuki accepted an offer to transfer to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, from South Korea, for approximately US$200,000. Initially, Kuki had demanded US$500,000, but the final agreement was reached for the lower amount. Playing for Jeonbuk, Kuki finished as joint top scorer of the K League in 2002, alongside Leomar Leiria.

2003

Kuki returned to Náutico in 2003 and again ended the state championship as top scorer. Kuki began the season helping the club reach the finals of both the Copa Pernambuco and the Campeonato Pernambucano. However, during the knockout stage of the state championship, in a heated Clássico das Emoções (Derby Of The Emotions) against Santa Cruz, Náutico lost 3–0 at home. During the match, Kuki argued with defender Sílvio and left…

Kuki was born in Crateús, in the state of Ceará, and at seven months of age he moved with his family to Roca Sales, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. There, he was raised by his grandmother Irene, who gave him the nickname ‘Kuki,’ which is a corruption of the word ‘Cookie.’ At the age of 16, he traveled to Porto Alegre to take a trial in an attempt to join the youth teams of Grêmio; however, he was rejected by the club’s director. Being turned down by Grêmio left him disappointed. Later, Kuki returned to football with Esporte Clube Encantado at the age of 23, playing in the 1993 Gaúcho Championship.

Kuki is a descendant of Indigenous people from the Xavante tribe. He is married to Vanessa de Paula, with whom he has two children: Arthur (born in 2005) and Helena (born in 2025). Kuki has two tattoos: one on his right arm with the name of his son ‘Arthur’ and another on his right wrist reading ‘Helena,’ both in tribute to his two children.