A player who famously never quite lived up to his 1998 billing as the world’s most expensive player when he signed for Real Betis, Denilson was still a fantastic player.
Now 40, the 2002 World Cup winner is still a wizard with the ball, as shown by some dazzling skills during a recent star-studded Brazilian friendly game.
Lining out for the ‘Friends of Penta’ (the 2002 World Cup winning side) against the ‘Friends of Ronaldinho’ (Brazilian national league players), the winger decided to run up the wing with the ball deftly balanced on the back of his neck…
I’m trying that one in my five-a-side game next week.
The match itself, entitled the ‘Game of Dreams, was played in honour of the 120th anniversary of the city of Belo Horizente.
Along with Denilson, the likes of Rivaldo, Gilberto Silva, Junhino and Edgar Davids all took part in what looked like an entertaining 90 minutes which ended in a 4-1 win for Ronaldinho’s side.
Here’s all the goals (scored on a very wet pitch!)…