Nélson de Jesus Silva better known as Dida is the first goalkeeper in AC Milan and also for the Brazilian national team. Dida started play at senior level at the age of 16. In 1992 he was signed to the home state club Victoria. In 1993 Dida won the FIFA World Youth Championship as the starting goalkeeper for Brazil.

Dida was signed on to Cruzeiro in 1994. In Cruzeiro he won several cups like the 1996 Copa do Brazil and 1997 Copa Libertadores. He was also voted the best goalkeeper in Brazil in 1997.

In 1999 Dida was contracted by AC Milan in Italy. He did not manage to become the starting goalkeeper in the first team. Later in 1999 Dida was loaned to Corinthians two times. In 2002 Dida finally made first goalkeeper for AC Milan.

In 2003 he made three saves in the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus. In 2003-2004 Dida was named Serie A Goalkeeper of the year. In the same year he also won the Scudetto ( the Italian Serie A) with AC Milan.

In 2006-2007 Dida won the Champions league again with Milan in the 2 – 1 win over Liverpool FC.

Dida har 91 caps for Brazil. He won the FIFA World Cup in 2002. He has also won the Copa América in 1999.