Alex Teixeira Santos – known simply as Alex Teixeira – is one of the leaders for Brazil as they attempt to win the 2009 U20 World Cup in Egypt, which would be the nation’s fifth title at that age category. The Vasco da Gama midfielder is so good that he may line up for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Gone Through Vasco Da Gama Ranks
Alex Teixeira was born on January 6, 1990 in Duque de Caxias and joined Brazilian giants Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama in 1999 playing for their youth ranks until 2007. He was promoted for his first game for Vasco’s senior side on January 10, 2008 – at the tender age of 18 – for the club’s tour of Dubai.
Contract Until 2013 With Set Transfer Fee
By coming up the to full squad, Alex Teixeira signed on a five year contract, locking him to Vasco until 2013 and rescinding the final three years of his previous deal with the Brazilian side. Da Gama management also wrote in a set transfer fee of 100 million Brazilian real – roughly 39 million euros.
Strong Showings In Brazilian Top Flight
Alex Teixeira has shown that he belongs in the Brazilian top flight, scoring nine goals in 45 domestic league matches for Vasco during the 2008 and 2009 seasons with his excellent mix of pace, creativity and dribbling.
Already Long History With Brazil National Team
Even though Teixeira is just 19 he already has a long history with the Brazilian national team. In 2005 he debuted for the country’s U15 national team. In March 2007, he helped Brazil win the U17 South American championship. And Teixeira scored two goals at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Korea in August as Brazil were bounced in the Round of 16 by eventual semi-finalists Ghana. All told, he scored six goals in nine caps for the Brazilian U15s and eight goals in 19 U17 appearances.
Two Goals Against Uruguay At U20 World Cup
Alex Teixeira entered the 2009 U20 World Cup in Egypt as one of the leaders of Rogerio Lourenco’s team along with Douglas Costa, Alan Kardec, Diogo and Maicon as they hoped to grab title number five at that age group. And Teixeira’s tournament started in great fashion as he scored in Brazil’s 5-0 opening group win over Costa Rica. He started the second game and was subbed in the third group game but went scoreless. Teixeira then single-handedly sent the Brazilians to the quarter-finals by scoring two goals in their 3-1 Round of 16 win over Uruguay. And he again failed to produce a goal in Brazil’s 2-1 extra time victory over Germany in the quarters.
Possible 2010 World Cup Future
Alex Teixeira's performance in Egypt will definitely open some eyes in the senior Brazilian national team. And the youngster could even make the Selecao's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Manchester United Biggest Observers
Despite a set transfer fee of 39 million euros, English giants Manchester United are reportedly the biggest team after Alex Teixeira, who is being considered a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Reds have sent observers to Egypt to watch the right-foot star, who is valued at around 10 million euros. Vasco said at the end of last season that they did not want to sell their young star. But with financial problems lurking, the Brazilian side may be forced to sell him to the highest taker. Chelsea is also reportedly in the running for his services.
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