Jefferson (Footballer, Born 1983): A Comprehensive Overview

Early Life and Youth Career

Jefferson de Oliveira Galvão, born on January 2, 1983, in São Vicente, Brazil, started his football journey as an amateur sprinter before joining Ferroviária's youth setup at age 12. Initially a forward, he transitioned to the goalkeeper position. In 1997, Jefferson joined Cruzeiro's youth academy, where he was promoted to the first team three years later by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Professional Club Career

Cruzeiro and Botafogo

Jefferson began his professional career with Cruzeiro, making 27 appearances. In 2003, he was loaned to Botafogo, where he played 52 matches over two seasons.

Turkey: Trabzonspor and Konyaspor

In 2005, Jefferson moved to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig, replacing Michael Petkovic. He made 42 appearances for the club before transferring to Konyaspor in 2008, where he played 18 matches but couldn't prevent their relegation.

Return to Botafogo

Jefferson returned to Botafogo in 2009, where he became a club legend. He made 209 appearances in his second stint, becoming one of the club's top appearance-makers with 459 matches overall. He was instrumental in Botafogo's successes, including saving a crucial penalty in the 2010 Campeonato Carioca final.

International Career

Jefferson was part of Brazil's U-20 team that won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2003. He made his senior debut in 2011 and earned 22 caps. Jefferson was part of the squads for the 2011 Copa América, 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the 2015 Copa América. He played a key role in Brazil's victory in the 2013 Confederations Cup and saved a penalty from Lionel Messi in the 2014 Superclásico de las Américas.

Personal Life

Jefferson is a devout Christian. In October 2017, he was a victim of a carjacking but was unharmed, and his vehicle was later recovered by the police.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

• Cruzeiro: 27 appearances
• Botafogo (loan): 52 appearances
• Trabzonspor: 42 appearances
• Konyaspor: 18 appearances
• Botafogo (second stint): 209 appearances
• Total: 348 club appearances

International

• Brazil: 22 caps

Honours

Club

• Cruzeiro: Copa Sul-Minas (2001, 2002), Supercampeonato Mineiro (2002)
• Botafogo: Campeonato Carioca (2010, 2013, 2018), Taça Guanabara (2010, 2013, 2015), Taça Rio (2010, 2012, 2013), Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (2015)

International

• Brazil: FIFA Confederations Cup (2013), Superclásico de las Américas (2011, 2012, 2014)
• Brazil U20: FIFA World Youth Championship (2003)

Individual

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2011, 2014

Jefferson's career is marked by resilience and significant contributions to both club and country, solidifying his legacy as one of Brazil's top goalkeepers.