Diminutive playmaker born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he is one of a number of players controversially encouraged to switch nationalities by Ricardo La Volpe. The 30-year-old midfielder made his international debut for Mexico in January 2005 and went on to announce his arrival to his new nation with a starring role in last year's Confederations Cup campaign. Mexico finished fourth during what was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals and Zinha scored a spectacular winner against Japan in the group stages. An excellent passer of the ball who has superb vision especially when it comes to finding a team-mate in the final third.