Leandro Silva

A defender who plays as a left-wingback, Leandro Silva Wanderley is a quick and experienced defender who plies his trade in the professional leagues of South America. Coming through the youth ranks of America Futebol Clube, in 1995, Leandro made an impact to get into the senior team in 1997. He was part of the team for two seasons and after starting off as a substitute, became a permanent starter by the time the second season came along.

With over 45 appearances and 5 goals in the league, Leandro had made his mark and clubs were lining up for this young star’s signature. Esporte Clube Vitoria were the first to get to him and from 1999 to 2002, Leandro became a first team player for the club. As one of the top players in the team, Leandro had become a prized commodity and helped the team win the 1999 Nordeste Cup, the 2000 Bahia State League title as well as the 2002 Bahia State Superleague title. Then, Cruzeiro came in, in 2002, to give him an opportunity to become a serious contender at the highest level of the game.

For two seasons, Leandro became a regular starter in the team and helped the team win the 2003, 2004 and 2006 Minas Gerais State League titles. In 2003, Cruzeiro won the treble, with the Brazilian Cup and the League title coming in.

Now, clearly, an established played, Leandro moved to FC Porto, in Portugal, where he was slated to be the next big thing. However, the youngster only managed 10 games, most of it as a substitute, in two seasons. He was, then, sent out on loan and from 2005 to 2007, went back to Cruzeiro. He failed to find a regular starting spot in the team. In 2007-08, he moved to Palmeiras on another loan move, this time finding a regular starting spot as well as the 2008 Sao Paulo State Championship title along the way.

Leandro played 67 games at Palmeiras and scored 4 goals on the way to the title. However, he was still unable to get into the FC Porto first team and another loan season beckoned. In 2009, he moved to Fluminense, but failed to play a single game throughout the season. Following this, his 2010 move to Vitoria, also on loan, got him some games but nothing close to what he might have wanted.

In 2011, FC Porto sent Leandro out on his fifth loan move, this time to Atletico Mineiro, where he is still struggling to find his old form and gain a place in the starting line-up.