Diego Alves was a Brazilian goalkeeper notable for his composure in decisive moments, his impressive penalty-saving ability, and his long career in European football, especially with Valencia. Revealed by Atlético Mineiro, he made his professional debut in 2004 and quickly gained attention for his reflexes and confidence in the goal. In 2007, he was transferred to Almería in Spain, where he immediately excelled, helping the club maintain its place in the Spanish elite with consistent performances and memorable saves.

In 2011, he transferred to Valencia, where he enjoyed the peak of his career. For six seasons, he was a regular starter and became one of the most respected goalkeepers in La Liga. He gained international notoriety for his performance in penalty shootouts: he had the best record in the history of the Spanish league in this regard, with saves against big names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Griezmann. With excellent reflexes, a good reading of the game, and a quality in his repositioning, Diego was more technical than physical, which allowed him to compensate for any athletic limitations with positioning and anticipation.

In 2017, he returned to Brazil to play for Flamengo, where he also built a successful career. Despite facing some injuries and internal competition, he was a key player in the club's Libertadores and 2019 Brazilian Championship victories, making crucial saves throughout the campaign and contributing with his leadership both inside the field and behind the scenes. He remained with the club until 2022, winning more titles, including the Brazilian Super Cup, Recopa Sudamericana, Carioca Championship, and a new Libertadores, albeit in a more supporting role in the final years.

Despite being called up to the Brazilian NT on several occasions, especially between 2011 and 2015, Diego Alves never played in a World Cup. He participated in qualifiers, friendlies, and the 2015 Copa América, and was a trusted name of the coaching staff on several cycles. His career is remembered for its longevity, its solid performances against major European teams, and his unusual penalty saving ability — a hallmark that set him apart from many goalkeepers of his generation.

Other Links:
Diego Alves - Wikipedia Portuguese
Diego Alves - Wikipedia English

Videos:
DIEGO ALVES: ¡EL MEJOR PARAPENALTI DE LALIGA!
Diego Alves - Valencia CF - Goodbye & Thanks for Everything
Obrigado Diego Alves! As Melhores DEFESAS de Cada Ano (2017-2022)