Alemão (footballer, born 1989)


José Carlos Tofolo Júnior, commonly known as Alemão, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Guarani. He also holds Italian nationality.

Club career

Early career

Alemão started his career at Santos, and signed a professional contract with club in 2005. He made his first team debut on 31 January 2008, starting in a 1–2 Campeonato Paulista loss against Grêmio Barueri, due to Kléber Pereira's injury. Alemão scored his first goal for Peixe four days later, in a 1–1 draw against Paulista FC.

Udinese/Varese and loans

In July 2008 he was signed by Serie A club Udinese on a reported free transfer, with performance based fees. However, Alemão was not registered in Lega Calcio as the club did not had an extra non-EU signing quota. Santos also submitted a new contract to Brazilian Football Confederation BID-E system to document a new contract which last until 2011 on 28 July. Alemão was only officially signed for Udinese in June 2009, and never appeared for Santos neither in 2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A nor 2009 Campeonato Paulista, due to a dispute with the club's board.
With Udinese, Alemão played for its Primavera under-20 team as an overage player. In July 2010 he was sold to Serie B club Vicenza in co-ownership deal, for €400,000. Alemão made his debut abroad on 20 August 2010, replacing Alain Baclet in the 66th minute of a 0–2 Serie B loss against Atalanta.
On 31 January 2011, he was swapped with Marco Cellini of Varese. In June 2011 Udinese gave up the remain 50% registration rights for free.

Back to Brazil

In January 2012 Alemão returned to Brazil, signing a temporary deal with Grêmio Catanduvense. He moved to Guaratinguetá until December in mid-2012. After scoring regularly he moved to neighbouring Ponte Preta.
After only appearing sparingly in 2013 Série A, Alemão was loaned to fellow league team Vitória. He subsequently was loaned to Chapecoense and Portuguesa in the following year, he scored 8 goals in total in Serie league and State league.

Cruz Azul

On 12 December 2014 Alemão signed for Liga MX side Cruz Azul. He got 3 goals and 4 assists during 14 games but Figueirense wants him to play in the club

Second Return to Brazil

In 2015, he returned to Brazil again for Figueirense. He then signed by ABC Futebol Clube and Ribeirão Preto based Botafogo Futebol Clube.

FC Eindhoven

In 2016, he moved to Europe again for Dutch club FC Eindhoven.