Former FC Porto Defender José Carlos Now Works in Scrap Metal

From Record-Setting Defender to Scrap Metal in Rio de Janeiro

For years, José Carlos stood as the most prolific defender in FC Porto’s history, netting 25 goals across his 101 matches for the club. That long-standing record was eventually surpassed by Alex Telles and Marcano. Reflecting on his scoring touch during his playing days, José Carlos explained to A Bola that his success came down to attacking set pieces. He noted that he struck free kicks cleanly and capitalized on his aerial ability, while also converting penalties during a stint with Gil Vicente. Although he acknowledged feeling a touch of sadness at losing his status as the central defender with the most goals for the club, he expressed happiness that others have continued to push those scoring benchmarks higher.

Modern Set Pieces and Tactical Evolution in Europe

Analyzing the modern game, José Carlos argued that scoring goals has become significantly easier for defenders today than it was during his career. Back then, central defenders only ventured into the penalty area during corner kicks. In contrast, modern tactical setups involve rehearsed routines where entire teams push forward on free kicks. Citing Arsenal as a prime example of a club mastering dead-ball situations, he noted that FC Porto rarely practiced such intricate set-piece patterns during his era, confirming that football’s tactical modernization has directly benefited modern defenders.

Assessing the Current FC Porto Squad and Past Transfers

Asked to identify his modern equivalent within the current FC Porto squad, José Carlos admitted that he stopped following football closely after stepping away from the sport approximately six years ago. Upon learning that Otávio transferred to Paris FC in the previous summer transfer window for a reported fee of 17 million euros, José Carlos remarked that it constituted a good deal for the club.

A Completely Different Life Cutting Steel in Brazil

Originally from the Brazilian state of Goiás, José Carlos returned to live in Rio de Janeiro after finishing his time in Portugal. Leaving professional football entirely behind, he entered the recycling and scrap metal industry. During his interview with A Bola, he described his current daily routine, speaking to reporters while actively cutting up old, abandoned railway cars as part of his work in steel and iron salvage. Addressing the sharp pivot away from the stadium lights, he simply observed that life moves forward.