Overview

Rodnei Francisco de Lima (born 11 September 1985 in São Paulo) is a Brazilian professional footballer who is known simply as Rodnei. He is a Brazilian football player who has played as a defender in both his home country and abroad. The most widely reported club association in international coverage links him with Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Career path and background

Rodnei began his life and football development in one of Brazil's largest urban centres, a region noted for producing professional players. Like many Brazilian professionals, his career includes time in domestic competitions before moving to clubs outside Brazil. The move to an Austrian top-flight side represents the kind of transition many South American defenders make to establish themselves in Europe.

Position and playing role

Listed as a defender, Rodnei's responsibilities on the field include organising the back line, contesting aerial duels, making tackles and interceptions, and helping to maintain team shape when out of possession. Defenders in his role are also often involved in build-up play from the back and contributing to set-piece situations at both ends of the pitch.

Notable aspects and playing style

  • Primary role: defensive duties in central or wide areas (as deployed by his coaches).
  • Typical attributes for his position: positional awareness, physicality, and concentration for 90 minutes.
  • Adaptation: moving from Brazilian domestic football to the Austrian Bundesliga requires adjustment to different tactical and physical demands.

Importance and context

Players like Rodnei illustrate the flow of Brazilian talent to European leagues, where clubs seek experienced defenders to strengthen their squads. Playing for a club in the Austrian Bundesliga places a player in a competition that regularly features in UEFA club tournaments and serves as a stepping stone for further moves in Europe.

Further information

For club-specific records, appearances and up-to-date status, consult reliable sports databases and the club's official communications. Contemporary reports and match records provide the best source for current squad roles and career milestones.