Bismarck (footballer)

Bismarck was born in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro State. His professional career began in 1987 playing for Vasco da Gama of Brazil. In 1993, he moved to Japan to play for the Verdy Kawasaki of the J1 League. During his three seasons at Verdy, Bismarck was twice selected as a member of the J. League Best Eleven, in 1994 and 1995. In 1997, he moved to Kashima Antlers, where he was again selected for the league's Best Eleven award in his first season with the new club. In 2002, he returned to Brazil to play for the Fluminense and the Goiás. However, in 2003 Bismarck would return to Japan to play for Vissel Kobe before retiring at the end of that season. ==International career==

Bismarck was part of the Brazil national under-20 football team that placed third in 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship. He won the MVP Award, the Adidas Golden Ball, for his performances throughout the tournament. At senior level, he was also a member of the Brazil national team that won the Copa América in 1989, and represented his nation in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. ==Personal life==

He is named after Otto von Bismarck, the famous politician who played an important role in the creation of one of the world's Great Powers, the German Empire. Bismarck, along with one-time Brazilian football teammates Jorginho and Cláudio Taffarel, were featured in a special version of the film Jesus produced and distributed during the 1998 World Cup. ==Career statistics==

Club International ==Honours==

Club Vasco da Gama • Campeonato Carioca: 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993 • Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1989 Verdy Kawasaki • J1 League: 1993, 1994 • Emperor's Cup: 1996 • J - League Cup: 1993, 1994 • Japanese Super Cup: 1994, 1995 Kashima Antlers • J1 League: 1998, 2000, 2001 • Emperor's Cup: 2000 • J - League Cup: 2000 • Japanese Super Cup: 1998, 1999 International Brazil • Copa América: 1989 Individual • J1 League Best Eleven: 1994, 1995, 1997 • FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball: 1989 ==References==