Aílton Corrêa Arruda (born 26 April 1937), commonly referred to as Aílton, is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was active in the mid‑20th century and is noted for having made appearances for the Brazil national team. His career took place during a formative era of Brazilian football, when the country was consolidating its international reputation.
Career overview
Aílton built his reputation in the Brazilian domestic leagues, where goalkeepers were increasingly seen as decisive figures in both defense and the start of attacking moves. While detailed club-by-club records vary in available sources, he is remembered broadly as a reliable presence between the posts who earned selection to the national side on more than one occasion.
Playing style and characteristics
- Position: Goalkeeper, responsible for shot‑stopping and organizing the defense.
- Strengths: Contemporary accounts emphasize reflexes, aerial ability, and steady positioning.
- Role: As a keeper of his generation, he combined traditional goalkeeping with an increasing expectation to help launch attacks.
Peers and commentators from the period often highlight the importance of consistency and leadership from goalkeepers; Aílton was regarded in that context as a dependable selection for club and country.
International involvement and legacy
Aílton earned caps for the Brazil national team, representing his country in international matches. While he did not become as widely known internationally as some contemporary outfield stars, his inclusion in the national setup marks him as part of Brazil's wider pool of players who contributed to the nation's football development in the post‑war decades.
For further details on his career record and match appearances, see his professional profile at player profile and the Brazil national team archive at national team records.