Sávio Bortolini Pimentel (born 9 January 1974), known simply as Sávio, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a left winger. Known as "Anjo Loiro" ("Blonde Angel") and "Diabo Loiro" ("Blonde Devil"), he played most of his professional career in Spain, being a part of Real Madrid's setup during four-and-a-half seasons and appearing in more than 300 official games with four teams. A Brazilian international in the mid and late 1990s, Sávio represented the nation in the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Club career

Flamengo and Real Madrid

Born in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Sávio started his footballing career at the Desportiva Capixaba youth team. Still as a junior he was transferred to Rio de Janeiro's Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, where he made his professional debut – – he was hailed as the new Zico by the fans and the press due to his footballing ability, but also due to his frail physique. In 1995, as part of Flamengo's centennial celebrations, Sávio teamed up with the volatile Romário and Edmundo. After clashing with the former he was transferred to Real Madrid in 1998, helping the La Liga powerhouse to three UEFA Champions League titles and the 2001 national championship; in the 2002–03 season he served a loan stint in France, at FC Girondins de Bordeaux. He holds French nationality.

Zaragoza and Flamengo

In the following season, Sávio returned to Spain and was one of the most important players in Real Zaragoza, for which he played three years. In his first the Aragonese won the Copa del Rey, precisely against Real Madrid; in the second, he scored a career-best ten league goals. In May 2006, Sávio returned to Brazil and Flamengo on a free transfer, signing a contract until December 2007. However, on 5 January of the following year, it was announced that he would be transferred to Real Sociedad also in Spain, for which he played his first league game on the 21st against Valencia CF; in late June, after the Basques' relegation, he joined fellow league team Levante UD, and played there until January of the following year, leaving as many teammates due to unpaid wages.

Later years

After a spell back in Brazil with his very first club, Desportiva Capixaba, Sávio signed in August 2008 with Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta FC, appearing with them in the 2008–09 Champions League. In January 2010 the 36-year-old returned to his country, joining Avaí Futebol Clube. After a few months with the Santa Catarina club, Sávio retired at the end of 2010.

International career

Never a part of any FIFA World Cup finals squad, Sávio did however play with Brazil at the 1995 Copa América, where the nation lost the final to Uruguay on penalties. He also achieved the bronze medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, going on to collect a total of 21 full caps with four goals.

Career statistics

Club

Honours

Flamengo Real Madrid Zaragoza Desportiva Capixaba Avaí Brazil Individual