From the streets of Sao Paolo to the roar of Elland Road

De Souza was born in São Paulo and grew up in the metropolis. As a young footballer, he won the Brazilian youth championship with SC Corinthians. In 2007, he moved to Europe, initially joining the ambitious project of Preußen TV Werl. While many of his fellow Brazilian talents returned home after a short time, Danilo stayed, convinced that his future lay in German football.  

As a player, he went on to play for LR Ahlen, Wehen Wiesbaden and Assyriska FF in the Swedish second division, among others. He ended his playing career in 2017 at Arminia Bielefeld, where he made his first contacts in the world of coaching. In East Westphalia, he was offered the opportunity to join SC Paderborn as assistant coach. With a clear vision of the game, he later moved to Osnabrück, Bielefeld and Leeds. Now the South American is moving to the capital.  

Reactions to the signing 

"I am really looking forward to my new role at 1. FC Union Berlin,” said a delighted de Souza of his new club. “Steffen Baumgart and I have a long and trusting working relationship – we are very much on the same wavelength when it comes to football and team management. Union are a special club with a clear stance, great energy and fantastic fans. I am ready to work hard and do my part to ensure that we are successful together."   

"Danilo not only brings a wealth of expertise and international experience to the table, but also a strong social component – he is a team player who seeks proximity to the players and takes responsibility within the coaching team,” was what Union’s director of men’s professional football, Horst Heldt, had to say on the appointment. “Working alongside Steffen Baumgart, he has proven how valuable his role is both on and off the pitch. We are delighted to have him at Union.”