his credit due to injury. Denílson was paid $12,000 for the match and a $5,000 bonus for the goal. In January 2010, Denílson signed a two-year contract with Kavala in Greece. He was released on 16 April, without having played any games. International career Denílson made his debut for Brazil in November 1996 at the age of 19, against Cameroon. He was called for the squad that competed at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, appearing in all the games for the eventual runners-up; the previous year, he was also selected for the 1997 Copa América and the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, winning both tournaments and totalling ten appearances (two goals). Denílson was picked by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari for his 2002 World Cup squad in Japan and South Korea. Always as a substitute, he played in five matches as the Seleção won its fifth World Cup, appearing one minute in the final against Germany. After Carlos Alberto Parreira returned for his third spell as national team boss, Denílson was not called again. He gained a total of 61 caps. Style of play A creative and technically gifted left-footed player, Denilson was mainly known for his dribbling skills, in particular for his use of several feints to beat opponents such as the step over, which he frequently employed, though infamous for his inability in front of goal. Despite his talent, he was considered by most to not have fulfilled the potential he showed at the start of his career. Media Denílson was sponsored by sportswear company Nike, and appeared in commercials for the brand. In a global advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, he starred in a "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scorpion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam, appearing alongside football players such as Fabio Cannavaro, Hernán Crespo, Edgar Davids, Rio Ferdinand, Luís Figo, Paul Scholes, Thierry Henry, Gaizka Mendieta, Hidetoshi Nakata, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Francesco Totti among others, with former player Eric Cantona the tournament "referee". In March 2017 Denilson signed with 888poker as a brand ambassador. Post-retirement After retiring, Denílson worked as a sports commentator for Rede Bandeirantes. Honours São Paulo Copa CONMEBOL: 1994 Campeonato Paulista: 1998 Betis Copa del Rey: 2004–05 Palmeiras Campeonato Paulista: 2008 Brazil FIFA World Cup: 2002, runner-up: 1998 FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997 Copa America: 1997 CONCACAF Gold Cup third place: 1998 Individual FIFA Confederations Cup: Golden Ball