Position: Defender
Born: 01.02.79
Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Juan made his Brazil debut in July 2001 against Peru and apart from missing out on the last World Cup has been a key member of the squad ever since.

As a youngster, he starred for Flamengo in his homeland, until his big move to Bayer Leverkusen in May 2002.

Juan helped Bayer to narrowly avoid relegation in his first season and get them into a Champions League place in his second season.

He has put in many commanding performances for the German outfit and looks ready to challenge for a place at centre-back this summer after winning a place in the squad at the expense of Roque Junior.