If players were judged solely on trophies won, Dani Alves would be regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.The Brazilian full-back sealed the 43rd trophy of his career last month after winning the Copa America final against Peru.He now sits two trophies clear of Egypt legend Hossam Hassan, who won 41 honours during trophy-laden spells with his native Ahly SC and Zamalek SC.Next on the list of most decorated players are Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, Egyptian Ibrahim Hassan and former PSG defender Maxwell, who have all won 37 trophies.Manchester United hero Ryan Giggs is the most decorated British footballer of all time, having won 35 trophies.

Alves decided to end his hugely successful 17-year European adventure this summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

The ex-Barça superstar returned to his native Brazil, penning a three-year contract with Sao Paulo - the club he supported as a boy.

The 36-year-old was handed the No. 10 shirt but did anybody seriously envisage him starting his debut in the playmaker role?

Alves was deployed in the No. 10 position by his new manager Cuca, just in behind striker Raniel - and it’s fair to say that he took his opportunity with both hands.

Alves played the full 90 minutes and helped Sao Paulo secure all three points against Ceara by scoring the only goal of the game shortly before half-time.

He picked up a loose ball around the penalty area and dribbled past one defender before producing a composed finish past Ceara goalkeeper Diogo Silva.

Watch his winning goal here…

You couldn’t write it.

A video showing Alves’s individual highlights from his debut has also emerged and you can watch that here (click play on the black video window)…

The legendary right-back is clearly relishing playing in such an advanced role.

And despite his advancing years, he looks like he’ll be very effective in that position for Sao Paulo over the next couple of seasons.

Alves no longer possesses the extraordinary stamina which allowed him to bomb up and down the right flank for the best part of two decades, so moving in infield higher up the pitch makes sense.

And you wouldn’t bet against him adding one or two more trophies to his incredible collection before he hangs up his boots.