Alexandre da Silva Mariano (born 28 February 1973), best known as Amaral, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

The Italians had Buffon, Hernán Crespo, Dino Baggio and Lilian Thuram, with Amaral struggled to perform, only making four appearances, before being loaned to Benfica in December 1996.

He made his debut on a home draw against Marítimo on 22 December 1996, and quickly earned his place in the starting XI, in favour of Bruno Caires and Jamir Gomes.

The 29-year-old moved to Beşiktaş but stayed just six months, being released in January due to the lack of opportunities "I did not have many first-team chances, I could not play as much as I wanted to.

In 2008, he moved to Australia, to play for Perth Glory who scored a major recruiting coup after snaring the services of the Brazilian international midfielder for the 2008/09 Hyundai A-League season.

In January 1996, he participated in the 1996 CONCACAF Gold Cup, won by Mexico against Brazil, and six months later played the Summer Olympics alongside Roberto Carlos, Bebeto, Ronaldo and Rivaldo, finishing with the bronze medal.