André Cruz (born 20 September 1968) is a retired Brazilian footballer best known for his time as a central defender. Born in Brazil, Cruz combined defensive positioning with technical skill on the ball; his career included significant spells in both domestic Brazilian leagues and in European club football. For basic biographical details see birth information.
Playing career
Cruz established himself as a professional defender at club level before moving to play abroad. A left-sided centre-back by trade, he was valued for calm distribution from the back, aerial ability and a rare scoring threat for a defender because of his proficiency at set pieces. During his career he represented clubs in Brazil and in European competitions, adapting to different tactical systems while remaining a regular starter.
International career
He also represented the Brazil national team and appeared in international competitions for his country. His selection reflected both defensive reliability and the additional value of long-range shooting and dead-ball skills. Official records and match appearances are summarized by national-team resources: national team profile.
Style of play and strengths
- Position: central defender, often deployed on the left side of a central pairing — see role description.
- Set pieces: notable for accurate free kicks and long-range shooting for a defender.
- Ball playing: composed in possession with a focus on passing out from the back.
Beyond individual traits, Cruz is remembered as part of a generation of Brazilian defenders who combined traditional defending with technical ability. After retiring from playing he has been referenced in discussions of defenders who brought set-piece scoring to the centre-back role.