José Carlos da Costa Araújo (born 7 February 1962) is a former Brazilian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Commonly known in Brazil by his given name, he earned recognition domestically and reached the international level by representing the Brazil national team. His career spanned the professional leagues during the late 20th century when Brazilian football produced many notable goalkeepers.

Overview and playing profile

As a goalkeeper, José Carlos combined the core attributes expected of his position: shot-stopping, command of the penalty area, and organizing the defense. Goalkeepers of his era placed a premium on reflexes and aerial ability, and national-team selection indicated that he met the competitive standards required at the highest level.

Career and significance

José Carlos played professionally in Brazil and was called up to the Brazil national side, an achievement that highlights his standing among peers. Being capped by Brazil places a player among a select group, since the national team has historically drawn on a deep pool of domestic and international talent. His international appearances contributed to squad depth and provided experience to the team setup.

Context and legacy

Players like José Carlos form part of Brazil's long tradition of producing specialized goalkeepers who support both club and country. While outfield stars often draw wider attention, goalkeepers who reach the national team are respected for reliability and leadership. His career is part of the broader history of Brazilian football and its development of professional players during the 1980s and 1990s.

Further information

  • Basic profile and career summaries are typically available on club and federation archives: player profile.
  • Records of international appearances and match data can be found through national-team resources: national team records.

For readers seeking match-by-match details, club histories, or post-retirement activities, consult databases and federation publications that track player careers and statistics. Such sources can provide match dates, number of caps, club lists and any subsequent roles in coaching or scouting that former professionals often pursue.