Who Is Deco? Age, Biography and Wiki
Deco, born on August 27, 1977, is a retired professional footballer who gained fame for his playmaking abilities and technical skill on the field. As of 2025, Deco is 47 years old. He had a distinguished career, representing clubs such as Porto, Barcelona, and Chelsea, and was an integral part of the Portuguese national team. His successful stint includes winning the UEFA Champions League and multiple domestic titles, which solidified his legacy in football history.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1977 |
| Age | 47 Years |
| Birth Place | São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Brazil |
Popularity
Deco's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in), Deco was known for his agility and balance, which contributed to his playing style. His playing weight fluctuated around 73 kg (161 lbs) during his career, and his fitness played a crucial role in his performance as a midfielder. While not the tallest player on the pitch, he compensated with exceptional dribbling and passing skills.
Deco scored on his debut with a 30-yard goal in a 4–0 league victory over Portsmouth. Deco followed up his performance by scoring in his second game for Chelsea, a curling free-kick against Wigan Athletic. These performances led to him winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.
Deco made his Champions League debut for Chelsea on 16 September. Deco injured himself during a training session, but he returned from the thigh injury on 19 October and came on as a substitute against Middlesbrough. He was sent off in the 3–1 defeat by Roma on 4 November 2008. He then scored a bicycle kick against Bolton Wanderers on 6 December.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Deco is known for maintaining a relatively private life when it comes to his family and relationships. He was previously married to Verónica Almeida, with whom he shares two children. As of 2025, there are rumors about his dating life, but no confirmed details regarding a girlfriend or partner have surfaced. Deco remains focused on his career and personal growth, occasionally sharing moments with his family on social media.
Deco was never called up to the Brazil national team, as the Brazil squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup included other attacking midfielders such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Juninho. After completing six years of residence in Portugal, he was able to gain Portuguese citizenship and play for their national team.
As none of his great-grandparents, grandparents or parents were Portuguese, under FIFA's player eligibility rules his citizenship was the only factor to allow him to play for Portugal. He was subsequently mentioned several times in the media as an option for the Portugal national team.
Net Worth and Salary
Deco's impressive career not only brought him fame but also substantial wealth. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His earnings were significantly boosted during his playing days, earning millions in salaries and endorsements. Following retirement, he has ventured into coaching and sports management, contributing to his financial stability.
Career, Business and Investments
After retiring from professional football, Deco transitioned into coaching and has been involved in various football-related projects. He holds a UEFA coaching license and has worked with youth academies to develop the next generation of footballers. Deco is also an entrepreneur, investing in sports brands and fitness-related startups. His keen sense in business demonstrates his commitment to staying within the realm of sports, even after hanging up his boots.
Born in São Bernardo do Campo, Deco spent time at Corinthians as a youngster, competing in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior for them. In the 1997 edition, Benfica sent Toni to scout the tournament, and he soon noticed Deco, recommending his signing.
In June 1997, Benfica purchased his rights from CSA and immediately sent him on loan (along with fellow Brazilian Caju) to their farm team, Alverca. After helping them win promotion to the top tier in 1997–98 season by scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances, he returned to Benfica in July 1998.
However, he left for Salgueiros in exchange for Nandinho, who went in the opposite direction. When asked by Nuno Gomes in an interview for FourFourTwo why he did not stay and become a legend at Benfica, Deco said, "Benfica decided, it wasn't my decision. They didn't want me. The coach was Graeme Souness at the time.
I was young and Benfica needed some players."
Social Network
Deco remains active on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. He regularly engages with fans, sharing insights from his life and career. With thousands of followers, he uses these platforms to promote his current endeavors, interact with supporters, and express his views on football-related topics. His social media presence keeps his legacy alive while connecting him with the younger generation of fans.
Deco eventually lost his place in the 2008–09 starting line up, due in part to some poor performances, but also to the sacking of Scolari. In a June interview, Deco said, "I do not want to stay.
I have not liked my experience at Chelsea." This was soon followed by Inter Milan, managed by former Chelsea manager José Mourinho, declaring Inter was attempting to sign Deco along with fellow countryman Ricardo Carvalho, who had also declared his desire to leave and, like Deco, desired to link-up with Mourinho again.
Both players previously played under Mourinho at Porto. However, Inter club president Massimo Moratti ruled out signing either of the Portuguese internationals on the basis of their age, telling Gazzetta dello Sport, "Deco and Carvalho? They are two champions but at this time I don't feel there's a need to buy them."
Education
Deco’s education primarily focused on football, as he honed his skills in various youth clubs before making it to professional level. While specific details about his formal education are limited, it is known that he values the significance of education in sports. In recent years, he has emphasized the importance of education and personal development in his coaching philosophy, advocating for young players to pursue academic goals alongside their athletic aspirations.
