Washington is a Brazilian association football player known for his striking prowess.
He played as a forward throughout his career, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities.
Washington became the top scorer in the 2001 Copa do Brasil while playing for Ponte Preta.
Biography
Early Life
Washington Stecanela Cerqueira, known simply as Washington, was born on April 1, 1975, in Brazil. He began his football journey at a young age, joining Sociedade Esportiva e Recreativa Caxias do Sul at just 16 years old in 1991. Over the next eight years, he honed his skills and established himself as a promising forward.
Career
Washington's professional career took off when he signed with Paraná Clube in 1999, where he made a significant impact by scoring 10 goals in 20 matches. His talent caught the attention of larger clubs, leading to a stint with Grêmio FBPA in 1998 and a successful period at Associação Atlética Ponte Preta from 2000 to 2002, where he became the top scorer in the 2001 Copa do Brasil.
In 2002, Washington moved to Europe, signing with Fenerbahçe Istanbul. Despite a promising start, health issues led to his release. After recovering from a coronary catheterization, he returned to Brazil and joined Atlético Paranaense, where he became the top scorer of the Série A in 2004 with an impressive 34 goals, earning him the nickname "Coração Valente" (Braveheart).
Washington later played in Japan for Tokyo Verdy and Urawa Red Diamonds, where he won multiple titles, including the J1 League in 2006. He also represented the Brazil national team, scoring 2 goals in 9 appearances and being a candidate for the 2002 World Cup.
Legacy
Washington's career is marked by numerous accolades, including being the top scorer in the Brazilian League in 2004 and 2008, and winning the FIFA Club World Cup Top Scorer award in 2007. His contributions to football, both in Brazil and internationally, have solidified his status as a notable figure in the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Washington started his senior career from Caxias in 1991, aged 16, playing there for 8 years, until 1999. He then signed for Paraná Clube where he scored 10 goals in 20 matches. After enjoying a fruitful spell with Ponte Preta (2000-02) scoring a record at the time 12 goals on the 2001 Copa do Brasil an interest from European clubs like Greek champions Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe came up. Washington eventually signed with Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2002. During 2001 and 2002 he was also called up to the Brazil national team by Felipe Scolari scoring 2 goals in 9 games and became a candidate for the 2002 World Cup. In the 2002–03 Turkish league season Washington scored 9 goals in 12 games but was subsequently released by Fenerbahçe because of his health problems. Washington was submitted to a coronary catheterization. Once recovered, physicians told him that playing football would not represent a risk to his condition. He then signed with Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense where he was 2004 Série A top-scorer with 34 goals and broke the league's record. For his recovery, he was dubbed Coração Valente, the title of the movie Braveheart in Brazil. In 2005, he moved to Japan to play for Tokyo Verdy in the J1 League. He had a successful season there with 22 goals in 33 games but could not save his club from relegation. In 2006, he transferred to Urawa Red Diamonds and helped the Reds win their first ever J1 League title, becoming the top scorer in the league with 26 goals in 26…
Club
* includes Japanese Super Cup and Club World Cup
International
International goals
- Club
- Paraná Clube (1999–2000)
- Club
- Grêmio FBPA (1998–1998)
- Club
- São Paulo FC (2009–2010)
- Club
- Fenerbahçe Istanbul (2002–2003)
- Club
- Sociedade Esportiva e Recreativa Caxias do Sul (1991–1997)
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (2005–2005)
- Club
- Associação Atlética Ponte Preta (1998–1998)
- Club
- S.C. Internacional (1997–1998)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2006–2007)
- Club
- Fluminense F.C. (2008–2008)
- Club
- Club Athletico Paranaense (2004–2004)
- Club
- Sociedade Esportiva e Recreativa Caxias do Sul (1999–1999)
- Club
- Associação Atlética Ponte Preta (2000–2002)
- Club
- Fluminense F.C. (2010–2010)
- Club
- Brazil men's national football team (2001–2002)
- National team
- Brazil
Legacy
Club
Tokyo Verdy Japanese Super Cup: 2005 Urawa Reds Japanese Super Cup: 2006 Emperor's Cup: 2006 J1 League: 2006 AFC Champions League: 2007 Fluminense Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2010
Individual
FIFA Club World Cup Top Scorer: 2007 Brazilian League Top Scorer: 2004, 2008 São Paulo State Championship Top Scorer: 2001 Brazilian Cup Top Scorer: 2001 J.League Top Scorer: 2006 J.League Best Eleven: 2006 Troféu Mesa Redonda best player: 2004
Clubs
- Sociedade Esportiva e Recreativa Caxias do Sul1991–1997
- S.C. Internacional1997–1998
- Associação Atlética Ponte Preta1998–1998
- Grêmio FBPA1998–1998
- Paraná Clube1999–2000
- Sociedade Esportiva e Recreativa Caxias do Sul1999–1999
- Associação Atlética Ponte Preta2000–2002
- Brazil men's national football team2001–2002
- Fenerbahçe Istanbul2002–2003
- Club Athletico Paranaense2004–2004
- Tokyo Verdy2005–2005
- Urawa Red Diamonds2006–2007
- Fluminense F.C.2008–2008
- São Paulo FC2009–2010
- Fluminense F.C.2010–2010
Played together with
Abdoulaye BaFenerbahçe Istanbul · 2015–2016
Abdullah ErcanFenerbahçe Istanbul · 1999–2003
Abel BragaBrazil men's national football team · 1978–1978- Abel BragaFluminense F.C. · 1971–1976
Abel HernándezFluminense F.C. · 2021–2022- Abel HernándezS.C. Internacional · 2020–2021
Abner ViníciusAssociação Atlética Ponte Preta- Abner ViníciusClub Athletico Paranaense
- Acácio Cordeiro BarretoBrazil men's national football team · 1986–1990
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoParaná Clube · 2009–2009
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adaílton dos Santos da SilvaAssociação Atlética Ponte Preta · 2013–2013
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Washington Stecanela Cerqueira, known as Washington, is a Brazilian football pundit, coach, and former player who played as a striker.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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