  Gelson Tardivo Gonçalves Junior (born May 11, 1974) was a defender revealed by Flamengo, where he arrived in 1987. He served on the professional team of the club between 1992 and 1995.
Libero with a forward style the quarterback earned the nickname "Gelson Baresi," when played the youth divisions of the club. This nickname referred to the Italian defender, "Franco Baresi", which was very successful one at the time and who showed to Gelson some inspiration.
His dedication and professionalism made the young athlete to stand out and got surprised everyone, being rapidly integrated into the cast of professional club.
In the early years professional (still 18 years) Gelson began to divide the defensive sector with other experienced players, and because of the football played and his maturity, was selected several times to take part in the campaign of the "pentacampeonato" title won by Flamengo in 1992. At the time Gelson made his child dream become true.
His performances led him to defend the U-20 Brazil National Team. It was South American Champion in Colombia (1992) and in 1993 has won the World Championship category in Australia.
In Flamengo, his constant and reliable performances became Gelson one of the main line up players of the team in 1994, the year he scored his first goal as a professional. He stayed at the club until 1995, the centenary year, having played in 115 matches and scoring three goals.
Gelson also served in other major Brazilian clubs such as Cruzeiro.
At that specific club he won the most titles in his career; Minas Gerais State Champion Champion in 1996 and 1997 Brazil Cup Champion and Champion of the Copa Libertadores, and Vice-Champion of Intercontinental Clubs Tournament, all also in 1997.
He also played for Coritiba, Fluminense and Atlético-MG. Between 2000 and 2002 Gelson also had a spell at European football when he defended the Vitoria Setubal in Portugal.
Back in Brazil, spent some time recovering from a knee operation. Recovered he signed with the Parana Club, where played his last experience as a professional player when, in 2004, decided to end his career.
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Flamengo
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Cruzeiro
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Seleção Brasileira
- FIFA U-20 World Championship – Australia: 1993
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