Emerson (footballer, born May 1982)

Emerson Ferreira da Rosa, commonly known as Emerson (born May 4, 1982), is a retired Brazilian footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He is also known by the nicknames Emerson Rosa and Emerson Sheik, though the latter is more commonly associated with a different Brazilian footballer.

Emerson began his professional career in Brazil with São Paulo, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. His performances attracted attention from European clubs, and he moved to German side Bayer Leverkusen in 2000.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Emerson was a key figure in the team that reached the 2002 Champions League final, ultimately losing to Real Madrid. His strong tackling, passing range, and leadership qualities made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.

In 2003, Emerson joined Italian side AS Roma, where he continued to impress with his performances in Serie A. He became a vital player for Roma, showcasing his defensive prowess and contributing to the team's overall stability.

In 2004, Emerson moved to Juventus, where he won two Serie A titles, although these were later revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal. His time at Juventus was marked by consistent performances and a strong partnership with other midfielders.

Following the Calciopoli scandal, Emerson joined Real Madrid in 2006, linking up again with his former Juventus coach Fabio Capello. His time in Spain was less successful than his spells in Germany and Italy, and he left the club after one season.

In 2007, Emerson returned to Italy, joining AC Milan. He spent two seasons with Milan before returning to Brazil to play for Flamengo in 2009. He subsequently played for Botafogo before retiring from professional football.

Emerson was also a regular for the Brazil national team, earning over 70 caps. He represented Brazil at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and won the Copa América in 2007. His international career was marked by his combative style and commitment to the team.