10 Miguel Danny

Daniel Miguel Alves Gomes, who goes by the name Danny, was born on August 7, 1983, in the Venezuelan city of Caracas to Portuguese parents. Danny began playing football in Venezuela, then continued in Portugal, where his family moved when Danny was 15.

Danny first started playing in Portugal for the youth team of Maritimo, before moving to the club’s top side in 2000. Showing his skills in several important matches of the Portuguese league, Danny was sold to one of the leading clubs of Portuguese football, Sporting Lisbon. Danny was considered one of the most promising players in Portugal, and played more than 40 matches for both Portuguese national youth teams and for the Portuguese Olympic team. Danny was part of the Portuguese youth squad that won third place at EURO 2004. Danny also played in the Olympics in 2004.

Danny moved to Dynamo Moscow in 2005. Danny was named the club’s MVP in 2005 by a fan survey. Danny also gained the status of being one of the best players in the whole Russian Premier League.

Danny signed a contract with Zenit on August 26th, 2008, and scored his first goal for the blue-white-light blues on August 29th in the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United. The goal won the match for Zenit.

Career

2002/2003 – Sporting (Portugal)

2003/2004 – Maritimo (Portugal)

2004/2005 – Sporting (Portugal)

2005/2008 – Dinamo (Moscow)

2008 to present – Zenit