Denilson was billed as the new Maradona when he signed for Spanish giants Real Betis for a then world record fee of £21.5m in 1998.

Betis noticed his precocious skills at the Le Tournoi the previous year and took the risk.

However, he could not produce what was expected of him.

The pressure took its toll and he was eventually sent to Brazilian club Flamengo on loan, once the Spanish club were relegated to the second division.

But the midfielder was brought back to Betis as the side pushed for promotion - successfully achieving their task.

He appears to have returned to form, helping Betis to surprise many in the 2001/2002 La Liga campaign.

However he has been consigned to a roll off the bench at the World Cup.