Denilson

Denilson became the world's most expensive player when he joined Spain's Real Betis from Sao Paulo in 1997 for a reported £22million. A wonderfully gifted left winger, he was practically an unknown outside of South America prior to Le Tournoi in France in June 1997. He had made his international debut only two months earlier. As Betis suffered the ignominy of relegation in May 2000, he clearly failed to produce the desired effect and returned to Brazil for a loan spell at Flamengo the following season to rebuild his confidence. He is now back with the Seville club, although still burdened by that weighty price tag. Still comparatively young, he retains the ability to be a key figure in the World Cup. A very fast player whose flair and dribbling skills are in the finest Brazilian traditions, he made five sub appearances during the 2002 finals, including the Final victory against Germany in Yokohama.