Aílton Delfino (born 1 September 1968) is a retired Brazilian professional footballer who played as a striker.[1]
Born in Belo Horizonte, Aílton is a youth product of Atlético Mineiro, making his debut in 1987, and taking part in the conquest of three Campeonato Mineiro, in 1988, 1989 and 1991, and one Copa CONMEBOL.[2]
In 1993, Aílton joined Benfica, as the alternative for Adolfo Valencia after negotiations with the Colombian failed.[3] He made his debut on a friendly against FC Barcelona on 18 August 1993, scoring the 2–1 in the 73rd minute.[4] His first season in Portugal was a success, as he help the Lisbon-side win the league title, scoring 14 goals in 33 games, notably the first against Porto on 6 February 1994.[5][6]
In his second season, Artur Jorge made several changes in the squad, with Aílton being loaned out to São Paulo until June 1995. He returned to Portugal for a six-month spell in 1995, without much success, moving permanently to São Paulo in January 1996.[7]
At São Paulo, he won the Copa Master de CONMEBOL, scoring one goal in the semifinal against Botafogo. He then passed through five more clubs, notably helping São Caetano finish runner-up in the Série A in 2000 and 2001, plus starting both games of the 2002 Copa Libertadores Finals.[2]
Atlético Mineiro
Benfica
São Paulo
Cruzeiro
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