Zizinho
Pelé's idol and a complete player of the pre-Pelé era.
Thomaz Soares da Silva, also known as Zizinho (14 September 1921 – 8 February 2002), was a Brazilian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder for the Brazil national football team.
- national_team_caps
- 34 for Brazil
Lore & Background
Zizinho came to international prominence at the 1950 World Cup, where he scored two goals. He was lauded as a complete player, with an array of offensive skills such as his dribbling, passing, and shooting ability with both feet, as well as his accuracy from dead ball situations and extraordinary vision. He was Pelé's idol, and is often considered one of the best Brazilian men's footballers of the pre-Pelé era. Born at Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, he played for Flamengo, Bangu, São Paulo FC, Audax Italiano of Chile among others teams. He is considered the first idol of Flamengo, club that he defended - winning the state championships in 1942, 1943 and 1944 - until he was transferred just before the start of 1950 World Cup to Bangu. In São Paulo he won the state championship in 1957 being extremely important and becoming an idol. In the 1950 World Cup he helped Brazil to progress to the final, but their surprise 2–1 defeat to Uruguay tarnished his reputation. Zizinho played a total of 53 times for his national team, scoring 30 goals. He turned down last minute invitations by the CBF to join first the 1954 World Cup Squad and then the 1958 squad, citing on both occasions that it would be unfair on the player being dropped at the last minute to make way for him.
In Their Own Story
Zizinho received the ball near the halfway line, surrounded by three towering defenders from his opposition. With a calm that belied his small stature, he feinted left, then right, weaving through the legs of the giants as if they were stationary posts. A single touch to the left foot, a sharp turn, and suddenly he was clear, looking up to spot Ademir making a run. The pass was threaded like silk, splitting the defense wide open.
Reader's Guide
Zizinho's career includes club honors: Campeonato Carioca with Flamengo in 1942, 1943, 1944; Campeonato Paulista with São Paulo in 1957. International honors: FIFA World Cup runner-up 1950, South American Championship 1949, Taça do Atlântico 1956, Roca Cup 1945, Copa Rio Branco 1950, Taça Oswaldo Cruz 1955 and 1956. Individual honors: FIFA World Cup Golden Ball 1950, FIFA World Cup All-Star Team 1950, Torneio Rio-São Paulo Team of the Tournament 1952 and 1953, IFFHS Brazilian Player of the 20th Century (4th place), IFFHS South American Player of the 20th Century (10th place), Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame. Records: South American Championship / Copa América all-time top goalscorer with 17 goals (shared with Norberto Méndez). Manager: Brazil Olympic at Pan American Games 1975.
Did You Know?
- Pelé always said that Zizinho was the best player he ever saw, calling him a complete player who could play in midfield, attack, score goals, mark, head, and cross.
- Zizinho turned down invitations to join the 1954 and 1958 World Cup squads because he felt it would be unfair to the player being dropped to make way for him.
- He is the all-time top goalscorer of the South American Championship / Copa América, with 17 goals shared with Norberto Méndez.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zizinho?
Zizinho was the beloved nickname of José Cândido de Oliveira, a diminutive playmaker revered as one of Brazilian football's greatest talents. He is celebrated for his extraordinary vision and dribbling skills that captivated audiences during his career.
What position did Zizinho play?
Playing primarily as an inside forward, he acted as the creative heartbeat of Palmeiras throughout its formative golden years. His technical mastery allowed him to control matches with magic at his feet despite his small stature.
When did Zizinho play for Palmeiras?
He spent his defining club era in the 1930s and 1940s, marking a turning point that elevated the team from local prominence to national contention. This period established the foundation for Palmeiras' future identity as a major force.
Did Zizinho play for the Brazil national team?
His excellence was recognized nationally when he earned 28 caps representing Brazil on the international stage. These appearances solidified his reputation beyond club borders as a true icon of the sport.
Why is Zizinho considered a legend at Palmeiras?
Zizinho is important because his arrival transformed Palmeiras into a national contender through his exceptional talent and leadership. He remains a legend today for orchestrating the club's rise during its most critical developmental phase.
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