Whether it was pace, power, technique, or even aerial ability, Careca had it all. He was especially known for his ability to score off-balance goals from tight angles while running with the ball. Let us now look back at his years as a footballer.

Early career

The Brazilian started his club career in home state São Paulo with local side Guarani in 1978. Careca's exquisite pace and outstanding finishing abilities quickly saw him become one of Brazil's most promising youngsters at the time. His time at Guarani saw silverware success as well, with the pair winning the Brazilian Championship during his first season and the Brazilian Second Division in 1981.

2 years later in 1983, Careca was signed by São Paulo. The Brazilian continued his rise to superstardom with his ridiculous goalscoring exploits and helped São Paulo win the Brazilian Championship in 1986 by defeating his former club Guarani in the final. Careca was also awarded the Bola de Ouro that year, which is the Brazilian equivalent of Footballer of the Year.

The greatest period

It was in the Summer of 1987 that Careca was signed that Careca was signed by Italian Champions Napoli. He eventually became a part of the prominent  "Ma-Gi-Ca"  Attacking trio, which saw him partner with Bruno Giordano and Diego Maradona.

Despite scoring 13 goals in his debut season, Careca's first season at the club wasn't the greatest. His individual efforts were overshadowed by Napoli's collective failures, as the team were knocked out of the European Cup first round by Real Madrid and they lost the league title in the final games of the season.

The Brazilian's second season with Napoli was much better, as the team won the UEFA Cup. The Brazilian was instrumental in the final, scoring in both legs of the deciding tie. Napoli managed to finish second in Serie A as well, and also reached the Coppa Italia final that season.

1990 was the most special year for Careca in a Napoli shirt, as he finally managed to win the Scudetto with them. This was also followed up with their first ever Supercoppa Italiana victory later that year.

Napoli and Careca continued their partnership for the next 3 years, and he went on to establish a new successful attacking partnership with Gianfranco Zola at the time. He left in 1993 after a memorable 7 year stint.

Later career and impact for Brazil

After his memorable stint at Napoli, Careca jumped ship to Japan. He joined Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, and spent his next 3 years at the club. He helped them get promoted to the J1 league in 1994, and eventually left 2 years later in 1996.

Careca returned back to Brazil in 1997,where he spent a year with Santos and then another year at Cambinas in 1998. The Brazilian finished his club career with lower-league team São José (RS), where he retired in 1999.

Careca's impact was seen in the national side as well. He joined the Brazilian side in 1982, but had to miss that year's World Cup due to injury. The Brazilian was later part of the Brazilian squad that came in second in the 1983 Copa América.

The 1986 World Cup was where Careca made his mark in Brazilian football history, as he finished the tournament as second in the Golden Boot rankings, only behind Gary Lineker. This was despite Brazil being knocked out in the quarter-finals against France. He kept on playing for the national side till 1993.

Careca left football as one of the finest to come from his country. He might not be spoken amongst the likes of stars Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, or Pelé, but he will always be remembered as one of Brazil's most magical strikers.

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