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Jardel Pereira de Souza (born 27 January 1983), or simply Jardel, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Esporte Clube Santo André as a central midfielder.

Club career

Jardel started his professional career at Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in 1999 at the age of 16, and made his Série A debut against Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas. He also helped the team win the 2003 Brazilian Cup, against Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

In 2005 Jardel was loaned to Esporte Clube Juventude, being released by Cruzeiro shortly after. He then moved to Portugal, first appearing for C.S. Marítimo (only seven top division games and just four with the reserves, during nearly two full seasons). After an unassuming spell in his country with former team Cruzeiro, he returned to Portugal and played for C.F. Estrela da Amadora, C.D. Feirense and F.C. Penafiel, the first in the top division (scoring four goals in an eventual relegation due to irregularities).

Jardel returned to his country on 9 February 2011, moving to Associação Atlética Caldense. On 16 May, Série B side Ituiutaba Esporte Clube signed him for one season.

Jardel was part of the Brazilian under-20 team that won the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates. He appeared in four games during the tournament, including the 1–0 final win against Spain (90 minutes played).^[1]