At club level, Taffarel played for Internacional (1985–90), Parma (1990–93 and 2001–03), Reggiana (1993–94), Atlético Mineiro (1995–98), and Galatasaray (1998–2001).
He had a key role in Galatasaray's UEFA Cup triumph over Arsenal in 2000, and was named the man of the match in the final. He also helped Galatasaray defeat Real Madrid 2-1 to win the UEFA Super Cup in 2000 and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2001, performing at the top of his game in victories against clubs such as AC Milan and Real Madrid. While with Parma he won the Coppa Italia.
He left Parma in 2002, and retired after refusing an offer from Empoli in 2003; after having accepted such offer, he changed his mind after his car broke while he was going to sign the contract, defining such event as a "sign of God". International career
Taffarel was the starting keeper for Brazil at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, in which he conceded only one goal in the first round and two in the knock-out phases (excluding two penalty kicks in the final). In addition to USA 1994, Taffarel helped lead Brazil to second place in the 1998 World Cup in France. In the semi-finals against Netherlands, he played a central role in the 4-2 penalty kick victory, saving the last two attempts. Upon his retirement in 2003, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira offered to arrange a farewell match. Taffarel refused, stating that he was not interested in such fanfare. He did return to play alongside Romário in late 2004 against Mexico to commemorate the 1994 World Cup victory in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Taffarel is the most capped goalkeeper in their history, with 101 appearances. Other than the 1994 triumph, he also played in the 1990 and 1998 World Cup tournaments. Taffarel was also Brazil's keeper at their Copa America success in 1989 and 1997.
