Geovanni

Geovanni Deiberson Maurício Gómez (born 11 January 1980), known simply as Geovanni, is a Brazilian former professional footballer. He was mostly used as an attacking midfielder but was also able to play on both wings and up front.

For other people with a similar name, see Geovani.

Geovanni
Geovanni with San Jose Earthquakes in 2010
Personal information
Full name Geovanni Deiberson Maurício Gómez
Date of birth (1980-01-11) 11 January 1980
Place of birth Acaiaca, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, winger
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1997–2001 Cruzeiro 46 (12)
1998–1999 → América-MG (loan) 15 (1)
2001–2003 Barcelona 26 (1)
2003 → Benfica (loan) 17 (3)
2003–2006 Benfica 74 (13)
2006–2007 Cruzeiro 14 (2)
2007–2008 Manchester City 19 (3)
2008–2010 Hull City 60 (11)
2010 San Jose Earthquakes 12 (1)
2011–2012 Vitória 37 (3)
2012–2013 América-MG 10 (1)
2013 Bragantino 11 (1)
Total 341 (52)
International career
2000 Brazil U23 6 (0)
2001 Brazil 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

Early career

When Geovanni emerged from the youth set-up at Cruzeiro most Brazilian critics were intrigued by his talents and believed he could become a great player at the highest level. When Geovanni was 18 he enjoyed a successful loan spell at America, scoring one goal in 15 games at the right wing position. He instantly commanded a first team place at the Brazilian team. Once his loan spell had finished he immediately found his way into the first team of Cruzeiro and was a fan favourite at the Belo Horizonte club.

Barcelona

Geovanni was purchased by Barcelona for $18 million in summer 2001,[1] signing a four-year deal, despite reported interest from Arsenal and Juventus.[2] Geovanni scored his first goal for Barcelona against Real Zaragoza. Geovanni made 21 La Liga appearances scoring 1 goal, mostly as a substitute. In his second season, he fell out with coach Carles Rexach and was not featured in Barcelona's starting 11 for the majority of the season and only played 5 league matches. Geovanni was then loaned out to Portuguese club Benfica the following season.[3][4]

Benfica

In 2003 Geovanni agreed on terms with Benfica and was signed on a free transfer, agreeing to a four-year deal, after an impressive spell with Benfica on loan from Barcelona.[5][6] He scored his first goal for Benfica against Braga scoring a free kick. He was a mainstay in the Benfica starting line-up and was hugely involved in winning 3 trophies for Benfica, the Portuguese Cup, Portuguese League and Portuguese Super Cup. Moreover, he was named "Benfica Player of the Year" in 2004 and 2005.

Some of Geovanni's memorable goals include a late winning free-kick against Sporting CP in the Lisbon derby at Estádio José Alvalade on 2 May 2004, helping giving Benfica access to the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League,[7] as well as a diving header in the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League against Manchester United at the Estádio da Luz on 7 December 2005.[8]

Despite having a successful spell at Benfica, Geovanni cancelled his contract after having family troubles and returned to Brazil.

Return to Brazil

In 2006 Geovanni rejoined Cruzeiro, signing a three-year deal.[9] He was greeted at the airport by over 1,000 fans. Geovanni made his début scoring twice against Botafogo.

Manchester City

In July 2007, after being turned down by Portsmouth following a trial,[10][11] he decided to join Manchester City on a one-year deal on 17 July 2007.[12] On 11 August, Geovanni scored on his début for City in a 2–0 victory over West Ham United.[13][14] The following week, he started and scored the only goal in City's 1–0 win over local rivals Manchester United to continue Manchester City's 100% start to the season.[15][16][17] Geovanni also scored against Wigan Athletic on 1 December 2007. On 3 July 2008, he was released by Manchester City.[18]

Hull City

On 5 July 2008 it was announced that Geovanni would be joining Hull City on a two-year contract.[19][20][21] He scored Hull's first ever Premier League goal on his début against Fulham on 16 August and was voted Man of the Match.[22][23]

On 27 September he scored his second Premier League goal for City with a 25-yard equalizer against Arsenal. Hull would go on to score again and record their first ever away win over Arsenal, defeating the London club 2–1.[24][25] The following weekend, Geovanni scored a 30-yard free kick in a 1–0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.[26][27] His form for Hull earned high praise from Hull chairman Paul Duffen and Luis Felipe Scolari.[28][29]

Geovanni went on to score goals against West Bromwich Albion, a penalty kick against Manchester United in a seven-goal thriller, and during a 2–2 home draw against former club Manchester City on 16 November.[30][31][32]

He finished the season as Hull's top goalscorer as they narrowly avoided relegation. He signed a new two-year contract with Hull in September 2009, which would expire in June 2011.[33][34]

Geovanni started well in the 2009–10 season for Hull City scoring four goals in just seven games, including strikes against Southend United in the League Cup, and league goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, and Wigan Athletic. On 31 October 2009, Geovanni was sent off against Burnley after receiving two bookings.[35] At the end of the season following Hull's relegation, he agreed to cancel his contract.[36][37]

San Jose Earthquakes

On 16 August 2010, Geovanni agreed to terms with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer, becoming the club's first designated player.[38][39] On 20 August 2010, it was announced that Geovanni will wear the number 77 shirt and make his debut against the Los Angeles Galaxy on 21 August 2010 in the California Clasico. On 5 September 2010, Geovanni made his first start for the Earthquakes and notched a goal and an assist in a 2–1 away win against the Houston Dynamo. Geovanni's option on his contract was not picked up by the club at the end of the 2010 season.[40]

Vitória

On 30 January 2011, Geovanni was announced as the new player of Vitória. On 27 February, he scored twice in a 2–0 win against Bahia de Feira.[41] Two weeks later, he netted a goal and delivered an assist in a 4–2 win against Juazeiro.[42]

International career

Geovanni's first and only international appearance for Brazil's was in a 1–0 defeat to Mexico in the 2001 Copa América. Geovanni has also represented Brazil in the 2000 Olympic football tournament.

Career statistics

Club

As of 14 May 2010

Club performance League Cup Continental Total
SeasonClubLeague AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals
Brazil League Copa do Brasil South America Total
1997CruzeiroSérie A70——70
1998América-MG15120—171
1999Cruzeiro172——172
2000229115—3314
Spain League Copa del Rey Europe Total
2001–02BarcelonaLa Liga211—100311
2002–0350—51101
Portugal League Taça de Portugal Europe Total
2002–03BenficaPrimeira Liga 173——173
2003–04205—81286
2004–05306—70376
2005–06242—81323
Brazil League Copa do Brasil South America Total
2006CruzeiroSérie A122——122
20072050—70
England League FA Cup Europe Total
2007–08Manchester CityPremier League1934101—203
2008–09Hull City34830—378
2009–102632222—285
Total Brazil 7514185—9319
Spain 261—151412
Portugal 9116—23211418
England 791492—6816
Career total 2714527738333655

1Including 3 matches in 2007–08 Football League Cup

2Including 1 match and 1 goal in 2009–10 Football League Cup

International
International appearances and goals[43]
Team#DateVenueOpponentResultGoalCompetition
2000[44]
Brazil U-231.9 August 2000Ovalle, Chile Chile5–30Friendly
2.12 August 2000Florianópolis, Brazil Chile1–00Friendly
7 September 2000Gold Coast, AustraliaAustralia Brisbane Strikers3–00Unofficial friendly
10 September 2000Sydney, AustraliaAustralia Marconi Fairfield4–01Unofficial friendly
3.14 September 2000Brisbane, Australia Slovakia3–102000 Olympic Games
4.17 September 2000Brisbane, Australia South Africa1–302000 Olympic Games
5.20 September 2000Brisbane, Australia Japan1–002000 Olympic Games
6.23 September 2000Brisbane, Australia Cameroon1–202000 Olympic Games
2001[45]
Brazil1.12 July 2001Cali, Colombia Mexico0–102001 Copa América

Honours

Club

Cruzeiro

Benfica

International

Brazil U17

Brazil U23

References
  1. Bateman, Stephen. "Geovanni signs as Toldo deal fails". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  2. "Thompson prepared for Barcelona backlash". The Irish Times. 11 November 2001. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  3. Brown, Lucas. "Geovanni set for Benfica switch". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  4. "Geovanni joins Benfica". World Soccer. 8 January 2003. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  5. "Geovanni por quatro anos" [Geovanni signs four-year deal]. Record. 2 August 2003. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  6. Acedo, Francisco; Fudge, Simon. "Geovanni completes Benfica switch". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  7. "Geovanni recorda golo que valeu a Champions em 2004" [Geovanni reminds of goal that gave access to UEFA Champions League in 2004]. A Bola (in Portuguese). 3 May 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  8. "Benfica 2-1 Man Utd". BBC. 7 December 2005. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  9. "Geovanni heads for Benfica exit". UEFA Official Website. 6 June 2006. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  10. Burton, Chris (21 November 2008). "Pompey snubbed Geovanni". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  11. "Portsmouth rejected chance to sign Geovanni". The Telegraph. 21 November 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  12. "Man City sign Brazilian Geovanni". BBC. 17 July 2007. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  13. Bevan, Chris (11 August 2007). "West Ham 0-2 Man City". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  14. Jackson, Jamie (12 August 2007). "Eriksson's new-look City deal Hammers early blow". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  15. Bevan, Chris (19 August 2007). "Man City 1-0 Man Utd". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  16. Jackson, Jamie (12 August 2007). "Eriksson's new-look City deal Hammers early blow". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  17. "Derby day delight for City". Sky Sports. 21 August 2007. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  18. Burton, Chris (3 July 2008). "City confirm list of leavers". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  19. "Geovanni wraps up switch to Hull". BBC. 5 July 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  20. "Hull seal Geovanni deal". Sky Sports. 5 July 2007. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  21. Benammar, Emily (5 July 2008). "Hull complete signing of Brazilian Geovanni". The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  22. May, John (16 August 2008). "Hull City 2-1 Fulham". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  23. Rae, Richard (18 August 2008). "Hull aim to extend tigerish start after achieving 7% of season's target". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  24. Soneji, Pranav (27 September 2008). "Arsenal 1-2 Hull". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  25. "Gunners stunned by Tigers". Sky Sports. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  26. McNulty, Phil (5 October 2008). "Tottenham 0-1 Hull". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  27. Hytner, David (6 October 2008). "Brown's sunshine boy inflicts more gloom on Ramos". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  28. "Duffen praise for Geovanni". Sky Sports. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  29. "Scolari praises 'friend' Geovanni". BBC. 30 October 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  30. Hughes, Ian (25 October 2008). "West Brom 0-3 Hull". BBC. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  31. Wilson, Paul (2 November 2008). "United's stroll turns into mad scramble". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  32. "Geovanni salvages point for battling Hull". CNN. 16 November 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  33. "Geovanni agrees new Hull contract". BBC. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
  34. "Geovanni signs two-year deal". Sky Sports. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  35. Brett, Oliver (31 October 2009). "Burnley 2–0 Hull". BBC. Retrieved 31 October 2009.
  36. "Geovanni leaves Hull by mutual consent". The Guardian. 5 July 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  37. Mirza, Razwan (5 July 2009). "Geovanni departs Hull". Sky Sports. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  38. Stranzl, Frank (16 August 2010). "Geovanni, Quakes agree to terms". San Jose Earthquakes Official Website. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  39. "Geovanni joins San Jose". Sky Sports. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  40. Archived 28 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  41. "Vitória vence com um festival de pênaltis". bahianoticias.com.br. 27 February 2011. Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  42. "Vitória leva susto, mas reage e derrota o Juazeiro de virada, no Barradão". correio24horas.com.br. 10 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  43. "sambafoot: Géovanni Deiberson Mauricio". En.sambafoot.com. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  44. "Seleção Brasileira Restritiva (Brazilian National Restrictive Team) 2000–2003". Rsssfbrasil.com. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  45. "Seleção Brasileira (Brazilian National Team) 2000–2001". Rsssfbrasil.com. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
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