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AFC Asian Cup
The 33-year-old, who has established himself as one of the UAE Pro League's most prolific players, will undoubtedly play a key role in The Whites’ campaign as they seek to improve on their Round of 16 showing at Qatar 2023.
Factfile
Age: 33
Caps: 46
Goals: 17
Clubs: Al Wasl FC (United Arab Emirates)
Age: 33
Caps: 46
Goals: 17
Clubs: Al Wasl FC (United Arab Emirates)
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The Brazil-born Lima began his senior career at home with state league club Icasa in 2012 before joining tier-two side Atletico Goianiense, who then loaned him to the Sao Paulo U20 team for a year.
After being loaned again to top-tier side Vasco da Gama, Lima returned to Goianiense before Al Wasl came calling in 2014, signing him to a full-time contract the following year.
After being loaned again to top-tier side Vasco da Gama, Lima returned to Goianiense before Al Wasl came calling in 2014, signing him to a full-time contract the following year.
Trivia
UAE’s Ali Mabkhout holds the record for the fastest AFC Asian Cup goal from kick-off, scoring after 14 seconds against Bahrain in 2015.
UAE’s Ali Mabkhout holds the record for the fastest AFC Asian Cup goal from kick-off, scoring after 14 seconds against Bahrain in 2015.
Lima registered 16 league goals in his debut season, and in total, has netted 183 times in 270 appearances for the UAE Pro League side.
His contribution reached new heights in the 2023/24 season, when he helped the club secure their eighth title and the UAE President's Cup. Lima scored 17 league goals during the campaign, adding to an already remarkable record built over several seasons.
His contribution reached new heights in the 2023/24 season, when he helped the club secure their eighth title and the UAE President's Cup. Lima scored 17 league goals during the campaign, adding to an already remarkable record built over several seasons.
Having obtained UAE citizenship in 2020, Lima made his international debut in October that year and has since become an important attacking option for the national team.
He made his maiden Asian Cup appearance at Qatar 2023 as the UAE progressed to the knockout phase before being eliminated by Tajikistan 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
He made his maiden Asian Cup appearance at Qatar 2023 as the UAE progressed to the knockout phase before being eliminated by Tajikistan 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
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One of Lima's most memorable showings landed in November 2024, when he scored four goals in a commanding 5-0 victory over reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26. He would go on to net a total of eight goals over the qualifying rounds.
With Saudi Arabia 2027 approaching, Lima will be eager to translate his prolific form and achievements into another influential tournament performance, where his capacity to deliver on the biggest occasions could prove crucial as the UAE look to progress deeper into the continental competition.
With Saudi Arabia 2027 approaching, Lima will be eager to translate his prolific form and achievements into another influential tournament performance, where his capacity to deliver on the biggest occasions could prove crucial as the UAE look to progress deeper into the continental competition.
