Claudio Taffarel

Claudio Taffarel Biography

Claudio Taffarel is a former Brazilian footballer born on the 8th of May, 1966 in Santa Rosa, Brazil. He played as a Goalkeeper for clubs like Galatasaray and the Brazilian Men’s National Football Team.

Background

Taffarel started his playing career by goalkeeping for Sport Club Internacional, where he spent five years. Although he only made 14 appearances in the Serie A, he was awarded the Golden Ball for the 1988 season, when he was just twenty two years old. This made him one of the youngest awardees.

After two years, in 1990, he was then transferred to the Italian Club, Parma A.C.

Debut

Taffarel played his first international match for Brazil on 7 July 1988 in the Australia Bicentenary Gold Cup. He played all four games and conceded only two goals.

In 1989, he was selected for the Copa America squad, a tournament in which Brazil emerged victorious. This was the first of the five editions of the tournament in which he played.

Rise To Glory

After his first spell in Europe Taffarel moved back to his country to play for Clube Atlético Mineiro, where he spent three years. He then returned to Europe for a three year spell with the Turkish giants Galatasaray A.C. He achieved major success there as he won 6 major trophies.

In 1994, Taffarel was the starter for Brazil’s national side in the FIFA World Cup. He delivered an excellent performance as he conceded only 3 goals in the tournament till the finals. Four years later, in the 1988 edition of the FIFA World Cup in France, he saved two penalties to ensure his team’s silver medal.

Low Points

Despite being six feet tall, his height was a reason for his struggling during set pieces and crosses. His career stagnated towards the end. By the age of 37, the Brazilian world champion was reduced to being a second choice, non- starter goalkeeper for the Italian side, Parma.

Club Career

Taffarel led his Galatasaray A.C. team to a UEFA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup victory in 2000. He was even awarded the Man of The Match award in the UEFA Super Cup match against Arsenal, where he saved 3 out of 4 attempted penalties during the shootout after the match being 0-0 after 120 minutes.

He even won 2 leagues and 2 cup championships during his Turkish tenure. He achieved domestic and European Cup success during his spell at Parma.

Retirement

Taffarel retired from the National Team in 1998 and from his domestic career in 2003. He presently serves as the goalkeeping coach for the Brazilian National Men’s Football Team and Galatasaray.

He has even served as Interim Manager for the Turkish side.