Júlio César

Julio Cesar made his professional debut with C.D. Marathón at the age of 17 years. Throughout his playing career, he has played with Real Madrid, AC Milan, Benfica, Austria Wien, Real Valladolid, Bolton Wanderers, Tigres UNAL, Olympiacos FC, FC Dinamo Bucuresti, Gaziantepspor, and Maritimo Funchal.

A native of São Luis, Brazil, he joined Sporting KC, his first stint with a Major League Soccer club, as a guest trialist during the 2011 preseason. He signed with the team on March 14, 2011, making his debut during the team’s season opener.

MLS

2011: Joined Sporting Kansas City in pre-season as a guest trialist, signed on March 14 and debuted in season opener on March 19th in 3-2 win over Chivas USA. Scored first MLS goal vs. Vancouver in the 30th minute. 

Other Professional:

2005-2010: Júlio César returned to the Americas in the summer of 2005 when he signed with Mexican club Tigres UANL. He started almost every game and was a key in the team’s central defense, also adding four goals. However, after the season, he moved back to Europe to play with Olympiacos. He thrived in the Greece league, making 41 appearances and scoring seven goals in two seasons of work as the club won back-to-back league titles. Although successful, he once again moved clubs to FC Dinamo Bucuresti for a short stint and eventually signed with Gaziantepspor in Turkey. He signed a one-and-a-half year deal with the club in January of 2009. After his contract was up, he played at Portuguese club Maritimo Funchal.

2001-2005: After his season with Sociedad, Júlio César made his way to multiple European clubs including Benfica, Austria Wien, Valladolid (second stint) and the Bolton Wanderers. His time in the Premier League was marred by a broken foot suffered against Manchester United at Old Trafford, on Boxing Day.

1999-2001: After a few years and 60 appearances with Valladolid, he received attention from Spanish giants Real Madrid. He played regularly in his first season and helped the club advance to the UEFA Champions League final. After the season, Júlio César was loaned out to AC Milan in Italy. However, things didn’t work out for him there and quickly returned to La Liga where he played with Real Sociedad, also on loan.

1995-1998: Júlio César started his career playing for Honduran side, CD Marathón, but after only 22 appearances and at a ripe age of 17, signed a contract with Real Valladolid in La Liga. He played in 25 matches in his first campaign, and helped the club qualify for the UEFA Cup.