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| Rogério Ceni | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rogério Ceni |
| Fullname | Rogério Mücke Ceni |
| Birth date | 22 September 1973 |
| Birth place | Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Youthyears1 | 1988–1990 |
| Youthclubs1 | São Paulo FC |
| Years1 | 1990–2015 |
| Clubs1 | São Paulo FC |
| Caps1 | 1237 |
| Goals1 | 131 |
| Nationalyears1 | 1997–2006 |
| Nationalteam1 | Brazil |
| Nationalcaps1 | 17 |
| Manageryears1 | 2017–2019 |
| Managerclubs1 | São Paulo FC |
Rogério Ceni was a Brazilian professional football goalkeeper and later manager, renowned for pioneering goal-scoring from set pieces and long-term association with São Paulo FC. He amassed record-breaking appearances and goals, won major titles including the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa Libertadores, and transitioned to coaching roles at top clubs such as São Paulo FC, Fortaleza, Cruzeiro, and Vasco da Gama.
Born in Pato Branco, Paraná, he moved to São Paulo to join youth ranks at São Paulo FC alongside contemporaries from regional academies and scouting networks linked to clubs like Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Santos FC. During youth competitions such as the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior and state leagues organized by the Federação Paulista de Futebol, he developed under coaches influenced by methodologies from Telê Santana and Carlos Alberto Silva, competing against youth sides from Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, and Grêmio.
Ceni made his senior debut for São Paulo FC in the early 1990s, becoming first-choice goalkeeper and later club captain during an era that included managers like Leco-era administrations and coaches such as Muricy Ramalho, Paulo Autuori, and Vanderlei Luxemburgo. He contributed to São Paulo's triumphs in the Campeonato Paulista, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Libertadores (2005), and the FIFA Club World Cup (2005) against opponents including Liverpool F.C., Internacional, Boca Juniors, and River Plate. Known for taking free kicks and penalties, he scored over 100 goals in competitive matches, surpassing scoring records previously associated with field players at clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and AC Milan. His longevity saw him outlast peers such as Dida, Marcos, and Júlio César, registering hundreds of appearances in competitions governed by CONMEBOL and CBF tournaments.
He earned caps for the Brazil in the late 1990s and 2000s, participating in squads alongside players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and goalkeepers such as Dida and Marcos. He was part of Brazil's squad for tournaments organized by CONMEBOL and FIFA, including the Copa América and the FIFA Confederations Cup, and contributed in friendlies and qualifying fixtures for the FIFA World Cup cycle, though he was not the starting keeper in World Cup finals where coaches like Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlos Alberto Parreira selected other options.
As a goalkeeper he combined shot-stopping with extraordinary set-piece technique, executing free kicks and penalties with precision comparable to specialists at clubs such as Benfica, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus. His goal tally established multiple records recognized by organizations like Guinness World Records and media outlets including BBC Sport and ESPN. He won individual awards and club honors such as Bola de Ouro, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, and continental trophies from CONMEBOL. He influenced tactical thinking about goalkeepers in systems employed by coaches like Pep Guardiola-inspired analysts and José Mourinho-era strategists, prompting debates in publications like L'Équipe and Marca about the evolving role of keepers in set-piece responsibilities.
After retirement he obtained coaching licenses through confederation courses affiliated with CBF and CONMEBOL, beginning his managerial career at São Paulo FC before moving to manage Fortaleza Esporte Clube, securing state titles contested under the Ceará State Championship and competing in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Copa do Brasil. He later took charge of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Vasco da Gama, facing rivals such as Atlético Mineiro, Fluminense FC, and Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas while integrating training methods influenced by Carlo Ancelotti and Spanish coaching schools. His teams emphasized possession patterns seen in matches involving Barcelona and transitional strategies similar to those of Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone.
Born to a family in Paraná, he has been involved in philanthropic and commercial ventures in São Paulo and maintained associations with former teammates and club officials including presidents from São Paulo FC administrations. His legacy is celebrated by supporters, sport historians, and institutions such as Museu do Futebol and media outlets like Globo Esporte; he is frequently compared to legendary figures across CONMEBOL and UEFA histories, and cited in discussions about the goalkeeper position alongside names like Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, and Oliver Kahn. He remains an influential figure in Brazilian football culture and a subject of biographies, documentaries, and exhibitions at football museums coordinated with federations such as CBF and international organizations like FIFA.
Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Brazilian footballers Category:Association football goalkeepers Category:São Paulo FC players Category:Brazil international footballers