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| Kléberson | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kléberson |
| Fullname | José Kléberson Pereira |
| Birth date | 1979-06-19 |
| Birth place | Uraí, Paraná, Brazil |
| Height | 1.74 m |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Youthclubs | Democrata, Atlético Paranaense |
| Clubs | Atlético Paranaense; Vitória; Manchester United; Flamengo; Besiktas; Internacional; Philadelphia Union; Atlético Paranaense (loan); Indy Eleven |
| Nationalteam | Brazil |
| Nationalyears | 2002–2006 |
| Nationalcaps | 32 |
Kléberson is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and later moved into coaching and technical roles. He rose to prominence with Atlético Paranaense before starring for Brazil at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and earning transfers to clubs such as Manchester United and Flamengo. Kléberson combined defensive industriousness with attacking support, contributing to club success in Brazil, Europe, and Turkey, and to Brazil's fifth World Cup title.
Born in Uraí, Paraná, Kléberson developed in regional youth setups including Democrata and Atlético Paranaense alongside contemporaries who later featured in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa Libertadores. During his formative years he trained at Vila Olímpica do Boqueirão and competed in state competitions such as the Campeonato Paranaense and youth tournaments that produced talent for clubs like Fluminense, Corinthians, São Paulo FC, Santos FC, and Grêmio. His progress attracted attention from scouts linked to Brazil national under-23 football team fixtures and loan arrangements involving teams such as Esporte Clube Vitória.
Kléberson made his professional breakthrough with Atlético Paranaense, contributing to the club's Copa Sudamericana-era campaigns and to their domestic campaigns in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He later had spells at Esporte Clube Vitória before establishing himself in the senior squad that contested matches against SE Palmeiras, Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, Flamengo, Santos FC, and Internacional in national cups and continental competition.
Following his standout performances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Kléberson transferred to Manchester United in the Premier League where he joined teammates who had played in competitions like the UEFA Champions League, partnering indirectly with players from Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich who frequented intercontinental friendlies and tournament fixtures. At Old Trafford he faced competition from midfielders associated with England national football team and managers linked to clubs such as Arsenal F.C., Chelsea F.C., and Liverpool F.C..
After returning to Brazil with CR Flamengo, Kléberson featured in campaigns against clubs such as Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas, Fluminense FC, and continental rivals in CONMEBOL tournaments. He later joined Beşiktaş J.K. in the Süper Lig, appearing in derbies and fixtures against Fenerbahçe S.K. and Galatasaray S.K.. Subsequent moves included Sport Club Internacional, a stint in Major League Soccer with Philadelphia Union, and a period with Indy Eleven in the North American Soccer League. Across these clubs he won domestic trophies and took part in competitions alongside players who represented nations at tournaments such as the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Copa América.
Kléberson earned selection to the Brazil national football team and was part of the squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan. He played a pivotal role in matches against sides like Turkey national football team and Costa Rica national football team during the tournament, contributing to Brazil's campaign that included fixtures vs England national football team in friendlies and qualifiers. He also featured in World Cup qualifying cycles and in tournaments such as the Copa América cycles and friendly series involving teams like Argentina national football team, Uruguay national football team, and Mexico national football team.
Kléberson accrued over 30 caps and scored internationally, participating under national team managers who had overseen squads including players from Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus FC, and Bayern Munich. His international career intersected with the careers of celebrated teammates who represented clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea F.C..
Kléberson was deployed primarily as a central and box-to-box midfielder, combining attributes associated with players from clubs such as Atlético Madrid and Juventus: stamina, ball recovery, and forward surges into attacking zones. He offered transitional play between defence and attack similar to midfielders seen with São Paulo FC and Boca Juniors, supporting wingers who had links to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Coaches compared his role to those used in systems favoured by managers from Spain national football team and Italy national football team setups, valuing tactical discipline, work-rate, and the ability to execute set-piece routines practiced by teams competing in the UEFA Europa League and CONMEBOL Libertadores.
After retirement, Kléberson moved into coaching and technical roles, engaging with development programs at clubs such as Atlético Paranaense and contributing to youth projects similar to those run by Fluminense and Santos FC. He took roles that involved scouting, player development, and coaching education aligned with practices used by institutions like the Brazilian Football Confederation and academies linked to Manchester United and Ajax. Kléberson also participated in ambassadorial appearances at tournaments and in initiatives supported by federations including UEFA and CONMEBOL.
Kléberson's personal life includes residence in Brazil and involvement in charitable and community projects resembling programs run by clubs like Flamengo and Corinthians. He has family ties in the state of Paraná and maintains connections with former teammates who have played at Old Trafford, Maracanã, and European stadiums such as Camp Nou and San Siro. He has been photographed at events featuring former internationals from Brazil national football team, Argentina national football team, and Portugal national football team.
Category:Brazilian footballers Category:1979 births Category:Living people