Nilmar exploded on to the scene as an 18-year-old in 2003 and, after being hindered by injury problems over the subsequent few years, has re-emerged as one of the most exciting and efficient Brazilian strikers.

Nilmar began his career with Internacional, whom he helped to state championship glory in 2003 and 2004. He was signed by Lyon in a high-profile deal shortly after, but he failed to settle at the French heavyweights amid stiff competition for first-team places and returned to his homeland and Corinthians in 2005.

Nilmar's speed, elusive dribbling and assured finishes played a crucial role in O Timão capturing the Brasileirao title in his first term at the club, but injury and inconsistency restricted his output the following year and, in 2007, he rejoined Internacional.

Thereafter, the forward showcased the finest form of his career, helping O Colorado win two Campeonato Gaucho titles and the Copa Sudamericana.

Nilmar made his Brazil bow in 2003 and, after a four-year hiatus, returned to the team for a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Bolivia in September 2008. After he was a part of the squad that conquered the FIFA Confederations Cup title in June 2009, Nilmar signed a five-year deal with Spanish club Villarreal. Later that same year, he strengthened his status as one of Dunga’s primary options up front, scoring six goals in Brazil’s last five matches of the year, including a hat-trick against Chile.