Introduction
André Alves da Cruz (born 20 September 1968) is a Brazilian retired footballer who played as a central defender. He played for several clubs in Brazil and Europe, and also represented the Brazilian national team, taking part in the 1989 and 1995 Copa América tournaments, and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 1987 Pan American Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Club career
Cruz began his playing career with Brazilian clubs Ponte Preta and Flamengo, before moving to play football in Europe. He initially joined Belgian club Standard Liège, but later also played in Italy, where he represented Napoli, A.C. Milan, and Torino. He subsequently joined Portuguese side Sporting Clube de Portugal, before moving back to Brazil, where he played with Goiás and Internacional before ending his career.
International career
André Cruz made 47 appearances (12 in non-official matches) with the Brazilian national team between 1988 and 1998. With the Brazilian under-20 side, he won a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, and a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul; he was a member of the Brazil senior team that won the 1989 Copa América the following year. He was included in the Brazilian team that won the 1995 Umbro Cup and which finished runners-up in the 1995 Copa América; he was later also a member of the Brazilian squad that finished runners-up in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Honours
Club
- Flamengo
- Copa do Brasil: 1990
- Internacional
- Campeonato Gaúcho 2003
- Standard Liège
- Belgian Cup: 1992–93
- Milan
- Serie A: 1998–99
- Sporting
- SuperLiga: 1999–2000, 2001–02
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2000
- Taça de Portugal: 2001–02
International
- Brazil
- Pan American Games Gold Medal: 1987
- Summer Olympic Silver Medal: 1988
- Copa América: 1989, Runner-up 1995
- Umbro Cup: 1995.
- FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 1998