Carlão (footballer, born August 1986)


Carlos Alexandre de Souza Silva, commonly known as Carlão, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker.

Club career

Carlão was born in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro. On 28 April 2008, he signed a three-month contract with Duque de Caxias Futebol Clube for the rest of the Série B season, joining from São Cristóvão de Futebol e Regatas. On 11 February of the following year he was signed by U.D. Leiria in the Portuguese second division, where he quickly made an impact as he scored 11 goals in just 12 games to help his team return to the Primeira Liga after a one-year absence; this included four past S.C. Olhanense in a 5–1 home win, on 3 May.
Carlão only netted five times in his first full season, however, in 28 matches. In late December 2010, after being linked to fellow league side Sporting CP, he was sold to Kashima Antlers of the J1 League, and in July 2011 the Japanese club loaned him to Neuchâtel Xamax in Switzerland.
In early September 2011, still owned by Kashima, Carlão returned to Portugal and joined S.C. Braga. On 9 January 2012, after having come on as a substitute for Édson Rivera in the 60th minute of an away fixture against S.C. Beira-Mar, he scored the 2–1 winner.
On 19 February 2014, after a brief spell with F.C. Paços de Ferreira, Carlão moved to the China League One with Shijiazhuang Yongchan FC.

Honours

Braga