Football legend : ZICO

Zico is considered the best Brazilian player after Pele and an idol for millions of people (particularly in Brazil, Japan and Italy), not only for his unique talent as a player, but also for his personal history and charisma. Zico played most of his career at Flamengo that he led the most glorious period of the team history. Along with many other titles, in his first period at Flamengo he would lead the team to conquer the Copa Libertadores in 1980, the Intercontinental Cup in 1991, and three national titles, among several other titles. In the field, Zico has made goals in all imaginable ways, and was also a great assister and team organizer, as he had a very privileged vision of the field. He would pass and kick with both legs and was an expert on free kicks.

In a multi-million dollar transaction, he was hired to play for Udinese, in Italy, from 1983 to 1985. Unhappily, though, Udinese hasn’t conquered any important title and Zico would eventually come back to Brazil and Flamengo, sponsored by a group of companies. Shortly, after Zico retired from international football (in 1989 from the Brazilian national team and in 1990 from Flamengo), he chose to face the challengeable mission in Japan, where he practically helped as a technical director, coach and player for the development of Kashima Antlers, from 1991 on. His influence and the recognition of his role in the development of Japan’s soccer has been growing ever since.