Zico

Lore & Background

A radio reporter spotted the young Zico scoring nine goals in a local match and suggested a trial at Flamengo; his father, a fervent Flamengo supporter, arranged it. A special diet sponsored by the club helped him build the physique he needed. Between 1971 and 1972 he moved between the youth and senior squads, and was promoted for good by Joubert, his first youth coach, after 116 matches and 81 goals in the youth team.

Reader's Guide

His Flamengo honours include the Campeonato Carioca in 1972, 1974, 1978, 1979 (twice), 1981 and 1986, the Série A in 1980, 1982 and 1983, the 1987 Copa União, and the 1981 Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup. Jorge Ben Jor's song Camisa 10 da Gávea was written in his honour, and in 2010 he returned to the club as football director.

Flamengo sold Zico to Udinese in 1983 for 4 million dollars and he returned in 1985 with backing from a group of sponsors. A month after coming back he suffered a serious knee injury from a tackle by Bangu defender Márcio Nunes, but after more surgery he led Flamengo to the 1987 Copa União. His last official league game for the club, in December 1989, was a 5–0 win over Fluminense in which he scored the first goal.

Did You Know?

• Zico earned a physical education degree while playing professionally for Flamengo.
• His final match as a Flamengo player was against a World Cup Masters side at the Maracanã.