Helton

Helton da Silva Arruda is a goalkeeper of Porto. He was born on 18 May 1978 in São Gonçalo, Brazil.

Helton is a product of Vasco da Gama’s youth system. He spent two final years of his youth career at the academy of this club preparing to make a start in the professional football. In 2000 Helton signed his first professional contract with Vasco da Gama. During the 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons he took part virtually in all the matches as a first-choice keeper. In the first half of his debut season he stayed on the bench but from the beginning of the second half he got into the starting line-up more often. He became an undisputed starter for Vasco da Gama taking part in 52 matches.

In 2002 Helton moved to the Portuguese club União Leiria on a long-term deal. He was a first-choice keeper in 67 matches during three years. Sometimes he didn’t come on the pitch for different reasons mostly because he wasn’t always ready physically.

In 2005 Helton attracted the attention of Porto which searched for a new reliable goalkeeper. Arruda was satisfied with the terms of the contract and in the summer 2005 he penned a contract with the Portuguese giant. Sometimes Helton earned a place in the starting eleven, while he was gaining experience of playing on such a high level. By 2007 he has taken a regular place between the posts.

In 2000 Helton Arruda featured in 6 games for the Brazil U-23 national side. From 2006 to 2009 he was called up 3 times to the Brazil national football team.