Falcão

The eighth King of Rome and one of Brazil's greatest midfielders.

Paulo Roberto Falcão (born 16 October 1953), known as Falcão, is a Brazilian former footballer and manager. He is considered one of the greatest Brazilian players and midfielders in history. He played for Internacional, Roma, and São Paulo, and was at one stage the world's highest-paid footballer.

Quick Facts

Full name

Antônio Carlos Santos

Position

Attacking Midfielder; Playmaker

Era at sao paulo

1986–1992, 1997–1998

Major titles with club

3x Copa Libertadores
1x Intercontinental Cup
2x Campeonato Brasileiro

Status

Legendary Icon

Lore & Background

Falcão began his professional career at Internacional (1972–1980), winning three Brazilian National Championships (1975, 1976, 1979) and reaching the 1980 Copa Libertadores final. He transferred to Roma in 1980 for £650,000, winning the Coppa Italia in 1981 and the Serie A title in 1982–83, earning the nickname 'the eighth King of Rome'. He also reached the 1984 European Cup final with Roma. After his contract was terminated in 1985, he signed with São Paulo, winning the Campeonato Paulista in 1985 and the Taça dos Campeões Estaduais Rio–São Paulo in 1985, scoring his only goal for the club in the latter. He retired after the 1986 World Cup.

Reader's Guide

Falcão played as a midfielder, known for his elegance, technical skill, goal-scoring from midfield, and ability to orchestrate attacks. He was a key part of Brazil's 1982 World Cup team alongside Zico, Sócrates, and Éder. He later managed the Brazil national team (1990–1991), América, Internacional, the Japan national team, Bahia, and Sport, and served as sporting coordinator at Santos in 2023.