Did you Know?
Born in Aratiba, Rio Grande do Sul, Prates started his career at Sport Club Internacional, where his steady performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid. He never made it, however, past its reserves, and initiated a series of loan moves in the subsequent seasons, almost always in Brazil. In January 2000, Prates arrived (still on loan) alongside two other players to Sporting Clube de Portugal. All would be instrumental as the Lions ended an 18-year drought and conquered the Primeira Liga championship, and the move was made permanent subsequently.