Biography
Who is Washington Stecanela Cerqueira?
Early football career
Born in Brasília, Brazil, Washington Stecanela Cerqueira began his senior playing career with Caxias in 1991. He remained with that club for eight years before moving on to Paraná Clube. During his time at Paraná, he managed to score 10 goals across 20 matches. He later moved to Ponte Preta, where he played from 2000 until 2002. While at Ponte Preta, he set a well-known record at that time by scoring 12 goals during the 2001 Copa do Brasil tournament.
His performance during 2001 and 2002 earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team under manager Felipe Scolari. He made nine appearances for the national side and scored two goals. His efforts during this period positioned him as a potential candidate for the 2002 World Cup squad.
European experience and health challenges
In the summer of 2002, the striker signed with the Turkish club Fenerbahçe. He found success early in the 2002-03 season, scoring 9 goals in 12 league matches. However, his tenure at the club ended prematurely due to health issues. He underwent a medical procedure known as coronary catheterization to address his condition.
Following the procedure, physicians cleared him to return to professional athletics, noting that playing would not pose a risk. He returned to Brazil to join Atlético Paranaense. There, he achieved significant success during the 2004 season, finishing as the top scorer in the Série A with 34 goals, which set a new record for the league at that time. Due to his recovery, Brazilian fans nicknamed him Coração Valente, which translates to Braveheart.
Success in Japan
In 2005, Washington Stecanela Cerqueira transferred to the Japanese club Tokyo Verdy to compete in the J1 League. He had a productive season, recording 22 goals in 33 games, though the team was relegated that year. He moved to Urawa Red Diamonds in 2006. With Urawa, he helped the team secure its first J1 League championship title. He also finished as the top scorer in the league that year with 26 goals in 26 appearances.
During the 2007 season, he continued to contribute to Urawa Red Diamonds by scoring three goals in the FIFA Club World Cup. The team ultimately finished in third place in that tournament.
Return to Brazil and retirement
Washington Stecanela Cerqueira returned to play in his home country for Fluminense in late 2007. He performed well during the 2008 season, finishing as a top scorer in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with 21 goals, tying with Keirrison and Kléber Pereira. After a stint with São Paulo, he returned to Fluminense in July 2010. He played a critical role in the team's championship run that year, scoring 10 goals and participating in the decisive play of the final match.
On January 13, 2011, while participating in a training session in Mangaratiba, Washington officially announced his retirement from professional football.
Birthday and age
Washington Stecanela Cerqueira was born on April 1, 1975, which makes Washington 51 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Washington shares the date with 19 other famous people.
Explore more
