Nivaldo (footballer, born 1980)

Nivaldo Batista Santana (born 23 June 1980), known simply as Nivaldo, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a central defender for Lagarto Futebol Clube.

Football career
Born in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Nivaldo started playing with modest Brazilian clubs – he did represent Coritiba Foot Ball Club on two occasions, but appeared rarely – and moved to Portugal with C.F. Os Belenenses in 2007, being an undisputed starter as the Lisbon team finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Cup, with the defender scoring four goals, partnering future FC Porto and Portugal star Rolando in the heart of the back four; on 28 February 2007, he also helped them come from behind against lowly GD Bragança and reach the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal following a 2–1 away win.

Nivaldo joined AS Saint-Étienne for a price of €3 million in summer 2007, but featured sparingly in his debut season. The following year he was loaned to Qatari side Umm-Salal Sports Club, allegedly against his will.

After being released in June 2009, Nivaldo joined Spanish club Real Valladolid on a one-year contract. He made his La Liga debut on 30 August in a 0–0 draw at UD Almería, being sent off in the 13th minute; he also received his marching orders when he scored his first goal on 4 October, helping the hosts draw 2–2 against Athletic Bilbao.

In June 2010, after Valladolid's relegation, Nivaldo changed teams and countries again, signing a two-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. of Israel on a free transfer. On 1 August he netted his first goal, in a Toto Cup win against Maccabi Netanya FC; thirteen days later, however, he was sidelined for two months due to a knee injury, which forced the club to sign Savo Pavićević as a cover.

Honours
Náutico
 * Campeonato Pernambucano: 2002

Coritiba
 * Campeonato Paranaense: 2004

Ashdod
 * Liga Leumit: 2015–16