Tita

A Brazilian forward who scored 135 goals in 391 games for Flamengo and won the UEFA Cup with Bayer Leverkusen.

Milton Queiroz da Paixão, simply known as Tita (born 1 April 1958), is a Brazilian former association footballer who played as a forward. He represented the Brazil national team between August 1979 and May 1990, earning 32 caps and scoring six goals. His club career spanned several Campeonato Brasileiro Série A teams, including a defining tenure at Flamengo where he made 391 appearances and netted 135 goals. Beyond his domestic success, Tita achieved European glory with Bayer Leverkusen, winning the UEFA Cup in 1988.

Quick Facts

Full name: Milton Queiroz da Paixão
Born: 1 April 1958
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 1.74 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Attacking midfielder; Forward

Lore & Background

Tita's playing career was marked by significant milestones across three continents. In Brazil, he became a cornerstone for Flamengo during their most dominant era, securing multiple Campeonato Carioca titles in 1978, 1979, 1979 Special, and 1981, alongside the national championship in 1980 and 1982. The pinnacle of this period was the 1981 Copa Libertadores victory, followed immediately by the Intercontinental Cup triumph that same year. His international journey included a runner-up finish at the 1983 Copa América, a Pan American Games title in 1987, and participation in the 1990 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Tita also experienced European success, winning the UEFA Cup with Bayer Leverkusen in the 1987–88 season after scoring in the second leg of the final against Espanyol.

Reader's Guide

He began his journey with Flamengo, where he amassed 391 games and 135 goals, helping the club win the Campeonato Brasileiro in 1980 and 1982. His international accolades include a Copa América victory in 1989 and a Pan American Games gold medal in 1987. After his playing days, Tita transitioned into management, notably leading Vasco da Gama from August to September 2008. His career path also included stints with Grêmio, where he won the 1983 Copa Libertadores, and Club León, securing a Mexican League title in 1992. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tita's life reflects both professional achievement and personal conviction.

Did You Know?

Tita scored in the second leg of the 1988 UEFA Cup final against Espanyol to help erase a 3–0 deficit.
Tita won the Copa Libertadores twice as a player: first with Flamengo in 1981 and later with Grêmio in 1983.