Starting goalkeeper in the remarkable Jorge de Jesus era at Flamengo, Diego Alves announced his retirement this Monday (21/01). At 39 years old, the archer’s last club was Celta de Vigo, from Spain.
Although the announcement took place this week, Diego has not taken to the field for two years, even though he has a contract with Celta. The termination took place in April 2023, amicably.
In a farewell text, published on social media, Diego Alves mentions the clubs he played for as a professional and his time with the Brazilian National Team.
— Today I officially close a cycle that began as a childhood dream and turned into an unforgettable journey. — wrote the goalkeeper.
In total, there were 587 career games. Despite 10 years in European football, the team that Diego Alves played for most was Flamengo, with 216 games between 2017 and 2022.
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Diego Alves in the Brazilian National Team
The goalkeeper dedicated an excerpt from the text announcing his retirement to highlight his time with the Brazilian team.
— Representing the Brazilian team was a dream come true. Being on the field wearing my country’s shirt allowed me to experience football at its highest level and share unique moments with the best athletes in the world — he declared.
Diego Alves started to be called up to the national team’s youth categories in 2003. He played for the Under-20s and Under-23s, competing in the Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and the Olympics in 2008, when Brazil won bronze.
Call-ups to the main team took place between 2007 and 2017, with participation in the 2016 Copa América.
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Check out the farewell in full:
Goalkeeper Diego Alves’ career clubs
- Botafogo-SP (basic category)
- Atlético-MG
- Almeria (ESP)
- Valencia (ESP)
- Flemish
- Celta de Vigo (ESP)
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How many titles does Diego Alves have in his career?
International
- South American Cup (2020)
- Copa Libertadores (2019 and 2022)
Nationals
- Brasileirão (2019 and 2020)
- Brazilian Super Cup (2020 and 2021)
- Brazilian Cup (2022)
- Brasileirão Série B (2006)
State competitions
- Minas Gerais Championship (2007)
- Carioca Championship (2019, 2020 and 2021)
