Elano (Elano Blumer) is a professional footballer from Brazil, born 14 June 1981. He is widely recognised as an attacking midfielder and occasional winger who combined technical passing with a talent for free kicks and late runs into the box. During his playing career he represented clubs in Brazil, Ukraine, England and Turkey and was capped by the Brazil national team.
Club career highlights
Elano rose to prominence in the Brazilian domestic game before moving to Europe. His club journey included notable spells at Santos (Brazil), Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine), and Manchester City (England), and he also signed for Galatasaray in Turkey. These moves exposed him to different tactical systems and helped him develop a reputation as a creative midfielder who could both score and assist.
Notable clubs
- Santos (Brazil)
- Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
- Manchester City (England)
- Galatasaray (Turkey)
International career
As a Brazilian international, Elano appeared for his country in major tournaments and contributed important goals and assists at times, earning recognition for his technique and vision. He combined experience at club level with periods of regular selection for the national side, participating in competitions that draw the world's attention to South American talent.
Playing style and legacy
Elano was known for precise passing, good movement in tight spaces, and the ability to strike set pieces. These qualities made him a useful creative option for club and country. After retiring from top-level play he remained involved in football, moving into coaching and mentoring roles, passing on experience to younger players.
For further biographical details and statistics, see profile and records linked here: player profile, birth details, and national-team summaries at Brazil.