Rivellino

Lore & Background

Rivellino was born in São Paulo and started as a futsal player at Clube Atlético Barcelona. He then moved to Corinthians, where he turned professional and became a fan favorite, nicknamed 'O Rei do Parque' (King of the Park) after the club's home ground, Parque São Jorge. In 1974, Palmeiras won the São Paulo state championship, but Corinthians did not reach the final that year. Rivellino remained at Corinthians until 1975, when he moved to Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, winning the Rio de Janeiro league championship in 1975 and 1976. He later played for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and retired in 1981.

Reader's Guide

Rivellino played as an attacking midfielder and was deployed on the left side of midfield for Brazil. He scored three goals in the 1970 World Cup, including a powerful bending free kick against Czechoslovakia that earned him the nickname 'Patada Atómica' (Atomic Kick) from Mexican fans. He also played in the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, finishing fourth and third respectively. After retirement, he became a football commentator and coach, managing Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan's J. League. He represented Brazil in the 1989 World Cup of Masters, scoring in the final against Uruguay.

Did You Know?

• Rivellino is widely credited with inventing the flip flap, a move later popularized by players like Romário, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho.
• Diego Maradona named Rivellino as one of his greatest childhood inspirations.