Careca
Brazilian striker who starred for Napoli alongside Maradona
via Wikipedia: Careca · see source
Antônio de Oliveira Filho (born 5 October 1960), better known as Careca, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward. A prolific striker, he was noted for his finishing ability, movement and pace.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Antônio de Oliveira Filho
- Born
- 5 October 1960
- Birthplace
- Araraquara, Brazil
- Height
- 1.83 m / 6 ft
- Position
- Striker
- Total caps
- 389
- Total goals
- 212
Lore & Background
Careca began his career in Brazil with Guarani in 1978, winning the Brazilian Championship in his first season and the Brazilian Second Division in 1981. He moved to São Paulo in 1983, leading them to the Brazilian Championship in 1986 and winning the Bola de Ouro that year. In 1987, he joined Italian club Napoli, forming part of the 'Ma-Gi-Ca' forward trio with Diego Maradona and Bruno Giordano. He helped Napoli win the UEFA Cup in 1988–89, scoring in both legs of the final, and the Serie A title in 1989–90, followed by the Supercoppa Italiana. He later played for Kashiwa Reysol in Japan, then Santos, Cambinas, and São José (RS) in Brazil, retiring in 1999. He earned 64 caps for Brazil, scoring 30 goals, and represented Brazil at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.
Reader's Guide
Careca is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of Brazilian football. He was a prolific, fast, opportunistic, and powerful striker, with excellent technique and great striking ability. Despite being right-footed, he was also capable of scoring with his left foot, and he was known for his ability to score goals off-balance from angled shots. He was good in the air, had excellent positional sense, and was known for frequently being in the right position at the right time in the penalty area. He could also play in deeper positions as a creative forward. After scoring, he often celebrated by mimicking an aeroplane's wings with his arms outstretched.
More in Legendary Players & Icons
Elsewhere in Napoli
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced