Alex (footballer, born June 1982)

Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa, known simply as Alex, was born on June 17, 1982, in Brazil. A formidable centre-back, he earned a reputation for his physical strength and powerful shot, which led to him being affectionately nicknamed "The Tank" and "Cannon of Vila Belmiro." His football journey began in Brazil, but it was in Europe where he truly made his mark.

In 2004, Alex signed with Premier League club Chelsea, although he was initially loaned to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. During his time in the Netherlands, he showcased his talent by winning three Eredivisie titles. It wasn't until the summer of 2007 that he officially joined Chelsea, where he would go on to achieve significant success.

While at Chelsea, Alex contributed to the team's triumphs, including winning the FA Cup in 2009 and securing a league and FA Cup double in 2010. He also played a crucial role in reaching the UEFA Champions League Final in 2008. In January 2012, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of four million two hundred thousand pounds, where he continued to excel, winning Ligue 1 twice.

After his successful stint in France, Alex moved to AC Milan upon the expiration of his contract in 2014, eventually retiring from professional football two years later. On the international stage, he earned eighteen caps for Brazil between 2003 and 2008, celebrating victory in the 2007 Copa América and finishing as a runner-up in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.