*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:52, 14 December 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:44, 19 November 2024 (UTC)
Danilo began his career with América Mineiro before moving to Santos, where he scored the goal that won the 2011 Copa Libertadores. In January 2012, he moved to Portuguese club Porto, where he won consecutive Primeira Liga titles. In 2015, he joined Real Madrid following a €31.5 million transfer fee. In 2017, he joined Manchester City. In 2019, having won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two EFL Cups with City, Danilo joined Juventus, winning the Serie A title during his first season with the club.
In May 2010, Danilo was transferred to Santos. Investor DIS Esporte acquired 37.5% of his economic rights, Santos another 37.5% for free and the remaining 25% were retained by América.[6] He won the Campeonato Paulista in 2011 and competed in two Série A seasons with the team.[7]
Danilo played the full 90 minutes of both legs of the 2011 Copa Libertadores Finals against Peñarol, the first in central midfield and the second at right-back, and scored the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory following a goalless first match.[8]
In early January 2012, following the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, Danilo signed for Portuguese club Porto on a contract lasting until June 2016 following a €13 million transfer fee paid by Porto.[9] His contract included a €50 million release clause.[10][11] He initially played understudy to Cristian Săpunaru, but soon became first choice, with compatriot Alex Sandro – who signed at the same time – featuring on the other defensive wing as the Vítor Pereira-led team won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.[12]
On 31 March 2015, it was announced that Danilo would join Real Madrid in July, with the Spaniards paying a €31.5 million transfer fee for his services and signing him to a six-year contract.[14][15] He made his debut on 23 August in a goalless draw at Sporting Gijón, which was also the season opener.[16] On 24 October, he scored his first goal for the team, in a 3–1 away win against Celta de Vigo.[17]
In 2016–17, profiting from several physical ailments to Carvajal,[19] Danilo contributed with 17 matches and one goal[20] as the club was crowned La Liga champions for the first time in five years.[21][22] He also played in three matches in the club's Champions League campaign,[23][24][25] helping Madrid win its second consecutive Champions League title.[26]
Manchester City
Danilo training with Manchester City in 2017
On 23 July 2017, Danilo signed for English Premier League club Manchester City on a five-year contract[27][28] for a reported £26.5 million transfer fee.[29] He scored his first goal for his new team on 23 December, replacing Fabian Delph late into the home fixture against AFC Bournemouth and scoring the final goal of a 4–0 home win.[30]
Juventus
On 7 August 2019, Danilo signed for Serie A champions Juventus on a five-year contract following a €37 million transfer fee paid by Juventus. The transaction involved a part-exchange that saw João Cancelo move to Manchester City.[31] Danilo made his Juventus debut on 31 August in a match against Napoli, in which he scored the opening goal of an eventual 4–3 home victory, which was also the fastest goal scored by a foreign player in Serie A.[32]
In the 2020 Coppa Italia Final against Napoli on 17 June, following a 0–0 draw after regulation time, Danilo missed Juventus' second spot kick in the resulting shoot-out, hitting the ball over the crossbar. Napoli ultimately won the match 4–2 on penalties.[33]
On 10 January 2021, in a Serie A game against Sassuolo, Danilo opened the scoring with a 25-meter goal; Juventus won 3–1.[34]
Danilo was also named in Tite's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,[45] making his debut in the competition on 17 June by playing the entire 1–1 draw to Switzerland.[46] He incurred an injury on 6 July the day before the quarter-final clash with Belgium, being sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.[47]
Danilo scored his first senior international goal on 19 November 2019 in a 3–0 friendly win against South Korea played in Abu Dhabi.[48]
In June 2021, he was included in Brazil's squad for the 2021 Copa América on home soil.[49] He started in his nation's 1–0 defeat to rivals Argentina in the final on 10 July.[50]
On 7 November 2022, Danilo was named in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[51] During the opening game against Serbia, Danilo injured his ankle, forcing him to skip the rest of the group stage.[52]
Style of play
In 2012, Marca compared Danilo to compatriot and fellow right-back Dani Alves, describing him as "a tireless right back with an attacking streak and a polished technique. His continual runs up and down the flank also serve to make him a tough defender, who plays well as a sweeper and anticipates the play. He measures 6 feet tall and, in spite of his slender build, does well up top," also dubbing him as being "one of the best right backs of the future," due to his high quality performances at the time.[53] Although primarily a right-back, he has also been deployed as a right-winger, or even as a central or defensive midfielder in front of the back-line on occasion.[8][54] In 2015, Tim Vickery, an expert on South American football, said the following of Danilo: "From Carlos Alberto to Cafu, Brazil have had more spectacular players at right-back than most - but Porto man Danilo is proving a splendid all-rounder. He can join the attack as an element of surprise, but his defensive skills are also sound."[55] Under his Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri, Danilo has also been used as a makeshift left-back.[56] A 2019 profile in Tuttosport by Giovanni Aramini also praised him for his tactical sense, positioning, and ball-winning capabilities, describing him as a "complete" defender.[57] Under Andrea Pirlo, he has also been used as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man back-line.[58] In addition to his defensive ability, Danilo has also been praised by pundits for his leadership qualities as Juventus's captain.[59]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 14 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
^"Comunicado" [Announcement] (PDF) (in Portuguese). FC Porto. 19 July 2011. Archived from the original(PDF) on 24 December 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
^"Comunicado" [Announcement] (PDF) (in Portuguese). FC Porto. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original(PDF) on 15 December 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
^For Copa do Brasil: "Águia-PA e América-MG estreiam na Copa BR" [Águia-PA and América-MG debut in Brazilian Cup]. Extra (in Portuguese). Rio de Janeiro. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 21 January 2019. "América-MG 0 x 1 Águia de Marabá" [América-MG 0 x 1 Águia de Marabá]. Futpédia (in Portuguese). Grupo Globo. 19 March 2009. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
^Prandi, Fernando (30 June 2010). "Danilo chega ao Santos para tentar resolver problema da lateral direita" [Danilo arrives at Santos trying to solve right-back problem]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). Grupo Globo. Retrieved 11 March 2015. Já em eleição realizada pela TV Globo Minas, Danilo foi eleito revelação do Campeonato Mineiro 2010.
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