Biography
Lincoln started playing football at the age of nine, rising through the ranks at Atlético Mineiro. He eventually broke into the senior squad at the age of 17, going on to spend five years as a first-team regular. In 1999, the midfielder was a member of the team that won the Minas Gerais state title, and he scored the winning goal in the final against arch rivals Cruzeiro. In the same year, he helped Atlético reach the final of the Brazilian Championship, but this time found himself on the losing side that finished as runners-up to Corinthians.
In 2001, his success and excellent performances for Atlético led to a transfer to German club Kaiserslautern. He spent three seasons with them (2001-04), and was a member of the team that reached the German Cup final in 2003.
In 2004, Lincoln was sold to Schalke 04, one of Germany’s biggest clubs. The Brazilian went on to spend a further three seasons at the Gelsenkirschen club (2004-07), enjoying the best spell of his career to date. During his time with the club, Schalke won the Intertoto Cup and the German League Cup. The Brazilian was, unfortunately, frustrated in his efforts to help the club win their first league title since 1958, though he came tantalisingly close, as twice in three years Schalke finished second in the Bundesliga.
Despite his terrific performances for Schalke, Lincoln has been consistently overlooked by the coaches of the Brazilian National team, and is still awaiting the opportunity to play for his country at the highest level.
Keen for a new challenge, Lincoln agreed to a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray at the beginning of the 2007/08 season, signing a four-year contract with the Istanbul club.
In 2001, his success and excellent performances for Atlético led to a transfer to German club Kaiserslautern. He spent three seasons with them (2001-04), and was a member of the team that reached the German Cup final in 2003.
In 2004, Lincoln was sold to Schalke 04, one of Germany’s biggest clubs. The Brazilian went on to spend a further three seasons at the Gelsenkirschen club (2004-07), enjoying the best spell of his career to date. During his time with the club, Schalke won the Intertoto Cup and the German League Cup. The Brazilian was, unfortunately, frustrated in his efforts to help the club win their first league title since 1958, though he came tantalisingly close, as twice in three years Schalke finished second in the Bundesliga.
Despite his terrific performances for Schalke, Lincoln has been consistently overlooked by the coaches of the Brazilian National team, and is still awaiting the opportunity to play for his country at the highest level.
Keen for a new challenge, Lincoln agreed to a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray at the beginning of the 2007/08 season, signing a four-year contract with the Istanbul club.
