Tostão

Lore & Background

Tostão was an intelligent, hardworking and prolific left-footed forward, known for his creativity and technical skills. He was considered one of the best players in the world in his prime and arguably the best player in the world in the early 70s alongside Cruyff before health problems forced his early retirement. He played most of his 11-year career with Cruzeiro and represented Brazil in two World Cups, winning the tournament in 1970. He formed a lethal offensive partnership with Pelé in the national team. Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, he made his professional debut aged 15 for América Mineiro, later returning to Cruzeiro. He was crowned Campeonato Mineiro top scorer on three consecutive occasions, the first in 1966, and left Cruzeiro as its all-time scorer with 249 goals. In 1972, he signed for Vasco da Gama for a then record fee but retired at age 27 due to sight problems. He later became a medical doctor and then a journalist and pundit.

In Their Own Story

The Maracanã hummed with anticipation as Tostão stepped onto the grass for Flamengo. The crowd roared, not just for the player, but for the legend he represented. With a delicate touch, he received a pass near the halfway line, shielding the ball from defenders before unleashing a through-ball that seemed to dissect the defense itself.

Reader's Guide

Tostão was a mobile, intelligent, hard-working forward, predominantly left-footed, known for his technique, balance, dribbling, vision, creativity, and precise passing. He was not particularly skilled in the air and lacked pace or strong physical attributes, but his anticipation and timing made him a prolific goalscorer. He often dropped back into midfield to retrieve the ball and start attacks, and his movement off the ball acted as a precursor to the modern false 9 role during the 1970 World Cup. He could play as an attacking midfielder, second striker, left winger, or out-and-out striker.

Did You Know?

• Tostão scored 47 goals in one game for his primary school football team at age six.
• He suffered a detached retina after being hit in the face by a ball during a match against Corinthians in 1969.
• He scored 32 goals for Brazil, including two in the 1970 World Cup.
• He was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1971.