Dani (footballer, born 1981)

Dani, whose full name is Daniel da Cruz Carvalho, is a Portuguese former professional footballer. Born on November 2, 1981, in Lisbon, Portugal, he primarily played as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Dani began his professional career in Portugal, playing for clubs such as Sporting CP, West Ham United (loan), and SL Benfica. He gained significant recognition during his time at Benfica, where he displayed technical skill and creativity.

Later in his career, Dani played for various clubs in different countries, including Atlético Madrid in Spain, Ajax in the Netherlands, and several clubs in Russia, notably FC Dynamo Moscow. His career also took him to Greece with Xanthi and ended back in Portugal.

While considered a talented player with moments of brilliance, Dani's career was often viewed as inconsistent, preventing him from fully realizing his potential at the highest levels. He earned caps for the Portugal national under-21 team but did not achieve significant success at the senior international level.

After retiring from professional football, Dani has largely remained out of the public spotlight.