Welcome to Daniel's page. Dedicated to following the Wellington Phoenix's star Brazilian born Midfielder who's number 11 jersey is legendary.

21 January 2011

Some more pictures of Daniel this season. Various games and training. Hopefully He'll be playing this Sunday against Perth

30 July

A bright sunny day in the Capital. Hard to think it was a week ago that the Boca juniors played. Here's some photos from todays practice. Daniel and the rest of the squad have 3 days off now.

23 July 2010

Daniel came on in the second half against Boca Juniors tonight. having a record of 1 draw and 1 loss in his past encounters against this world famous club, he was determined to fix it. That he did. An excellent half, where his first free kick resulted in a headed goal for Captain Andrew Durante. Moments later a bullett cross was missed by Chris Greenacre by millimeters when it should have been easier to score. Daniel created several other chances that were sadly not taken advantage of.

21 July 2010

Daniel and the Phoenix players attended a Parade to welcome home the All Whites from their recent trip to the World Cup in South Africa. Also to welcome Argentinan side Boca Juniors whom will play the Phoenix in a quality pre-season game at Westpac on the 23rd of July. With three Brazilians playing against the Argentinians, there's sure to be some competative football and dazzling skills on show.

08 July 2010

A cold morning at Newtown Park greeted the lads for training. Daniel wrapped up understandably. So too were most others.

04 July 2010

Exciting times ahead for Daniel with his friend and team mate Diego. Together they are about to launch the Samba Futsal Academy.

04 July 2010

Today was "Open Day at the ROF (Ring of Fire) and a lot of fans attended the annual "meet the players and coaches" get together. Here Daniel

A moment of reflection after practice 19 Nov 09.	The first ever Phoenix line up, Daniel, front row 2nd from the left.
Inaugral members of the Daniel Fan Club being interviewed.	At the playoffs, supporting Daniel whom had a great game.

Daniel, Eugene Dadi, Liam Reddy, Michael Ferrante & Leo Bertos	Daniel, Michael Ferrante, Liam Reddy & Manny muscat with a fan.
Chris Greenacre, Diego, & Daniel chat with fans	Daniel appreciates fan support

Players thanking fans for travelling down and locals attending	Before the game that took us to Sydney
Troy, "Johnny" Chen, Vinnie, Daniel	Coming off the substitutes bench in Christchurch

Chris Greenacre, Daniel, & Michael Ferrante	Team run out
Pre practice chat	Jon McCain, Daniel, Diego, Michael Ferrante

Cool weather	In Christchurch, won 1-0	December training
Training in Nov 2009	Ball practice	With goatie	Another day,another practice

The latest chapter in Daniel Cortes life as a professional footballer came about when the Wellington Phoenix had a very short time to become a reality from a dream. Terry's last minute assistance with the application before the FFA. Ricki Herbert appointed Head Coach, Tony Pignata appointed CEO, the the player recruitment started.

4 Players of Brazilian nationality arrived in a Wellington that was a lot cooler than the sunny beaches of the current World Cup holders.... Who can forget Cleiberson's "Phoenix wave" (Later adapted by Shane Smeltz) , Felipe, and of course George. Sadly, these three players have long since left the club and yet Daniel has stayed and gone on from strength to strength. Now nationalised, he hopes to play for ther All Whites one day.

Taken to heart from that very first game when the Phoenix fought back from 2-0 down and drawing 2-2 (Nearly winning it except for the post in a frantic last 10 minutes), Daniel Cortes had arrived. Left footed and with dribbling skills galore. The chanting of Dannnniiieeeelllll came to be.

Training at Newtown 2008	Open Day 2009	Preseason 2009/2010	Preseason 2009/2010

August 6th 2009 - The day started off well, Discovery Park was in perfect condition, not a cloud in the sky, not a breeze in the air. Although Chris Greenacre was the first player to arrive it wasn't too long before Manny Muscat arrived with Daniel in tow. All the players very considerately signed my Phoenix flag which has now been placed back in it's position of the last two years but proudly wearing those autographs. It's some special about the club and it's reationship with the fans. You can show up to any practices and with courtesy, meet with and chat to the players, take photos, get autographs before they settle into the strict training session that usually start at exactly 10:30am. For the next two hours you are allowed to watch - from a distance, so that they players can concentrate and the coach have their undivided attention. I have been for sometime wanting to do a page on Daniel as a mark of respect to his ability as a player, his warmness towards the fans and his humane, compassionate personality. As Daniel was kindly signing my flag I made mention of it to him and he asked me if I would like an interview for the page. Well who's gonna refuse that?? A chance to chat to one of the founding playing staff of the Wellington Phoenix. I sure as said yes and when might this happen? He suggested later in the day. I could not refuse.

My sister, my nephew and I had spent most of last season sitting behind the player benches over near Aisle 13 where the view is good, you can hear the full roar of the Yellow Fever coming at you. Unfortunately, Daniel was spending too much time on the bench and enough was enough. The Daniel fan club was formed. An awesome banner was hand made and the chant of Daniel was done in the same way as a Mexican Wave is performed. As the season progressed a few other fans joined the group and it was getting noticed by those on the benches as volume increased. Always time for a wave whilst warming up before, during and after the games. Daniel is our hero. He gives 100%, he does not give up. In the first season alongside Felipe, we were treated to some exciting football, a few party tricks and some goals from our hero. Last season it was not good to see one of our stars spending so much time on the bench. This, our third season, let's hope we see more of Daniel on the field.

At Botafago	At Guarani	At Videoton	At Juventude

Daniel is married to Danielle. They have a son (Daniel) and a daughter (Luiza) whom is on the way. A family man. Professionally, he's played in Brazil, Hungary, Holland (The Netherlands for those from there) and here in New Zealand for our beloved Wellington Phoenix in the Federation Football Australia - A League. Daniel's first club as a professional was Madureira in Brazil. He's played for the club he supported as a young fella - Botafogo and lived the boyhood dream of playing for "your" team for three seasons. Highlighted by winning their championship with them. Other teams he has played for include Juventude and Guarani.

Daniel has gained New Zealand residency and was hoping to play for the All Whites. Fifa in their infamous wisdom have introduced the 5 year rule. 2 years down and nearly 3 to go. (Unless, of course, Fifa see some common sense in changing the rule to a 2 year stand down.) I asked him the obvious questions.

Growing up, Daniel always wanted to be a footballer, nothing else. School work suffered as he learned the skills to make his dream come true. Whilst his family played a very important part in his growing years, as they were all into playing their national pastime, it was when Daniel played for his favourite team Botafogo under coach Levir Culpi that he learned a lot and gained a lot. Daniel also watched Rivaldo during the peak of his career but it is Levir Culpi that he holds the most respect, time and memories for.

Learning the trade in Brazil has it's moments. Competition for a starting spot is very competitive, physically and mentally. No love lost amongst potential starting line ups. Squads often had around 30 players all in competition with each other and some of the practices used to get an advantage over your fellow professionals left a lot to be desired. So what is his favourite position? An attacking left midfeilder, that's what. The idea that he was a Left Wing Back came from his time at Botafogo. He is not a LWB. At the club, they played a 3 man defence and a five man midfeild, as Daniel played out wide on the left it was assumed that he tracked back, but it was other players whom did that, not him.

So what does Daniel like to do in his spare time? Well other than being a Husband and a father, he likes to surf - he has a board art his residence, he enjoys playing Tennis (Not the Nintendo Wii sort). He would like one day to take a trip to Fiji or other Pacific Islands to see the clear warm water and white sandy beaches. During the break between A League seasons Daniel and family go back to Brazil for 1 - 2 months to visit family and friends and catch up.

I asked him about pre-match routines and his meal before a game is always Pasta and Chicken. He always steps onto the football pitch right foot first (Despite being a left footed player. I also noticed, he is right handed). He has been blessed with not too many injuries throughtout his career. There was one back in 2006 when he was laid up for 3 months. He took a knock to his inside right knee and although not requiring surgery, he found the three months off not something he likes. He considered that his worst experience in football to date.

His best moments in football were playing for Botafogo when they won their championship and also, scoring his first goal for the Wellington Phoenix. Judging by the fans reaction that day, he became an instant legend, as one in Aisle 23 could tell by all the clapping, cheering and general hoopla went. Awesome stuff. Daniel finds the A League very "English" in style of play. Route one, Direct are other names for it. Unlike the "continental style" or the Latin American Style of play that we have seen on ESPN in the past. It is of note, too, that Daniel has played against men whom have gone on to great careers. Kaka, Romario, Ronaldinho to mention 3 examples. He's played against David Beckham when the LA Galaxy came to town and took on the Wellington Phoenix at the ROF (Ring of Fire as affectionately known to Phoenix fans) before a full house.

Thankyou to the Fans	David Beckham lending a hand	Goal!

I mentioned to Daniel about the fans, Their reaction to him, his towards them. Daniel remembers when he was young and also asking for autographs. He knows what it is like to meet the players you look up to and the pleasure it gives. Daniel has time for the fans and is is not concerned at giving them all time for an autograph and a chat or a photo opportunity. It was obvious at the open days, that I saw, when he was showing such warmth to all fans of all ages anf types. Daniel is the real thing. Modest to speak with, sincere, honest, genuine. Although I/we are his fans, I respect him more than ever having been allowed into his circle. We chatted about a lot of things. He looks you in the eye when answering. Western cultures believe this to be a sign of someone being truthful. This page is for you Daniel, over your career there will be changes, photos, interviews, anything you wish. Thank you for the pleasure of gracing our football field and showing us your talents.