Julio César, here next to Gérard Bernardet, who left under the OM jersey. Midi Libre – Archives
Recruited in 1987, the international defender of the Seleçao was a major cog in the Montpellier of the 80s, sparkling in the championship and in the Coupe de France. One of the first big stars of the MHSC.
A Midi Libre special issue of 84 pages
Condensing half a century of history into 84 pages. This is the challenge taken up by the sports editorial team of Midi Libre in this special issue on the 50th anniversary of the MHSC. Available on newsstands on December 11 for only 5 euros, this glossy magazine will allow you to relive the great moments in the history of the Montpellier club through our “50” who made the MHSC. Players, coaches and builders, of course, starting with this “Nicollin Saga”, told by Laurent and Colette, the wife of the late Loulou. A special edition packed with anecdotes and unpublished photos with an exclusive interview with Olivier Giroud.
A special issue of 84 pages available on newsstands Midi Libre
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A first clap of thunder resounds in the sky of Mosson in the summer of 87. A fan of lavish recruitment, Louis Nicollin poaches Julio César in Brest. He lands at Fréjorgues airport under the flashes.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Loulou teams up the Brazilian defender with the former Yugoslav international Nenad Stojkovic, present at Euro 84, to strengthen the defense and the return to the first division.
Quarter-finalist of the World Cup against Platini's Blues
The Brazilian emperor, aged 24, belongs to the legend of Guadalajara, quarter-finalist for eternity of the Mexican World Cup in 1986. Against Platini's Blues, he smashes the post of Joël Bats, during the series of penalty shootouts, and the foot-samba of the generation of Socrates, Falcao, Zico…
Julio César is the first big world star to discover the Mosson. In the line of the great defenders of the Seleçao (1.90m), he combines firepower with reassuring elegance.
“He gave the impression of playing against children”
“He was so easy-going that he gave the impression of playing against children. He was so calm, he never tackled,” recalls full-back Pascal Baills, who is even surprised by his arrival in Montpellier.
After a first season finished in 3rd place, Julio Cesar has won everyone over. The Brazilian international enjoys the southern sun, like Paulo Cesar and Jaïrzinho did a few years earlier in Marseille. He leads the dance in the Copacabana nights, breaking a few hearts.
“He loved to party”
“He loved to party,” says Pascal Baills. “The day after Julio's mother's birthday, and a heavy defeat against Nantes, the Boss came to Grammont. He was furious. He had thrown a real tantrum.”
In the spring of 90, coach Michel Mézy, who succeeded Aimé Jacquet in February, formed a hinge as ephemeral as it was legendary: Blanc-Julio César. The former would leave for Naples in 91, the Brazilian would precede him by a year at Juve. Emperor in the empire of Catenaccio.
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