Players

Kleberson

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’ 9”

Weight: 140 lbs.

Born: June 19, 1979

Hometown: Urai, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Last Club: Philadelphia Union (MLS) (2013)

Previous Clubs: Manchester United (English Premier League), 2003-05; Atletico Paranaense (Brazilian Série A), 1999-2003, 2011; Besiktas (Turkish Süper Lig), 2005-07; Flamengo (Brazilian Série A), 2007-12; Bahia (Brazilian Série A), 2012-13; Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer), 2013

Indy Eleven Professional Soccer became the first team in the modern era of the North American Soccer League to add a FIFA World Cup champion to its roster with its signing of Brazilian midfielder Kleberson on March 31, 2014.  The 2002 World Cup winner and former Manchester United player joins Indy Eleven on a two-year contract.

The 34-year-old Kleberson ( @kleberson_8 on Twitter ) brings vast and valuable experience to the Indy Eleven line-up, having plied his trade on some of the world’s grandest stages during a professional career that began with Atletico Paranaense in his native Brazil at the age of 19. 

“This move to Indy Eleven is not just a great professional opportunity, but a great move for Kleberson the person as well,” said the Brazilian international.  “It’s a new club, and I have big expectations of myself to put my name into the team’s history. Indianapolis is a great city, and I’ve seen great commitment by the organization to make this club a success.  My first meetings with teammates have been excellent; this is a group of young and experienced players with a lot of talent.  I’m expecting to put all of this together and to enjoy a great future as a part of Indy Eleven.”

Kleberson gained worldwide notoriety during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Korea and Japan, when his standout performance for the Brazilian National Team helped propel the Canarinho to their fifth and most recent world championship.  After coming off the bench in Brazil’s last group stage and Round of 16 matches, the then-23-year-old Kleberson would be inserted into the starting XI for Brazil’s final three matches and assisted on Ronaldo’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over Germany in the Final.

Kleberson also made one appearance during Brazil’s run to the Quarterfinal Round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, marking one of the last of his 32 appearances at the senior international level.  Kleberson helped Brazil capture two more prestigious titles while suiting up in the 2004 CONMEBOL Copa America and 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments.

The midfielder parlayed his 2002 World Cup performance into a transfer to legendary English Premier League club Manchester United, making 20 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side from 2003-05. The Brazilian international has also had stints in the Turkish Süper Lig (BeÅŸiktaÅŸ, 2005-07), Brazilian Campeonato Brasileiro Série A [Flamengo, 2007-12; Atletico Paranaense, 1999-2003 and 2011 (loan); and Bahia (loan), 2012-13], and Major League Soccer (Philadelphia Union 2013). Kleberson signed with Philadelphia last season as one of the team’s three allotted “Designated Player” slots, which are reserved for marquee signings in MLS.

Kleberson has suited up in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches, and his personal trophy haul on the club side includes the English FA Community Shield (Manchester United, 2003), English FA Cup (Manchester United, 2004), Turkish Super Cup (BeÅŸiktaÅŸ, 2006), Turkish Cup (BeÅŸiktaÅŸ, 2006, 2007) and the Brazilian Série A (Atlético Paranaense, 2007; Flamengo 2009).

Indy Eleven on Kleberson

Owner Ersal Ozdemir: “Signing of a player of Kleberson's caliber signifies Indy Eleven is serious about bringing our fans wins and trophies. We welcome Kleberson to Indiana and look forward to his contributions to building the club both on and off the field.”

President/General Manager Peter Wilt: "Indy Eleven is proud and excited to have Kleberson continuing his career in Indiana and look forward to him being embraced by the community.  While scouting Kleberson we heard nothing but glowing reports about his skill set, his mind-set and his work ethic, which makes him a perfect fit for Indy Eleven."