Dener

Futsal

Born in São Paulo, Dener started his career with futsal where he excelled in his dribbling skills. By 1986 he was already getting a small stipend from futsal. The same year, he drew public attention during a futsal national tournament watched by 7,000 spectators and was also broadcast on TV. Dener's team won the trophy, and he also won the topscorer's and MVP award. The following day, scouts from São Paulo and Portuguesa approached him to join their clubs.

Youth

He started his football career at São Paulo FC's youth squad, in 1988, but after just two months he moved to Portuguesa's youth squad. In 1991, playing for Portuguesa, he won the Copa São Paulo de Juniores, and was elected the competition's best player.

Professional

Portuguesa

Despite being known for his temper and even violent incidents with opposing players during his youth career, in 1989, he was promoted to Portuguesa's first team squad. His debut against Gremio in 1989 was so impressive that prompted veteran wingback Alfinete to ask for his jersey after the match. In the 1989 Paulista championship he scored one of the most spectacular goals on the history of Portuguesea, dribbling past half the opposing team and scoring. He soon signed a new contract with the club demanding a Mitsubishi Eclipse sports car as a sign-on bonus. Dener became a highly valued asset for Portuguesa, with their president even considering renaming the club's stadium after Dener to keep him…

Olympic team

Dener played 9 games for the Olympic team of Brazil between 1991 and 1992, but he failed to help them qualify to the 1992 Olympics. He was teammates to players like Cafu and Roberto Carlos.

National team

Dener played two matches for the Brazil national team, managed by Paulo Roberto Falcão. On March 27, 1991, he played against Argentina. He entered the pitch as a sub for only six minutes, but he made an impact helping Brazil to equalise after initiating a counter attack that ended in a goal. Two months later, on May 28, he played against Bulgaria.

Dener was an explosive, agile, and diminutive attacking midfielder with a low centre of gravity. He would start most of his attack either from the centre or the wings. He was known for speed and his exceptional dribbling skills, stating himself that "sometimes a dribble can be more beautiful than a goal". However, he was considered undisciplined as a player, skipping training several times.

Dener was born to a poor family and he grew up with his mother from 1984, when his father lost his life and Dener started working to help his mother financially. He was considered a troubled kid during his youth years.