Zico : Football (Soccer)
Arthur Antunes Coimbra (born March 3, 1953 in Rio de Janeiro), popularly known as Zico, is former professional football player. He was often called as the “White Pele”. He first played professional soccer in Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (1967 – 1983, 1985-1989) then Udinese (1983-1985) in Italy, Kashima Antlers (1991-1994) in Japan and many more. Zico played for Brazil from 1976-1986. When he retired, he became a coach, managing several teams including Kashima Antlers, CFZ, CSKA Moscow and his most recent one, FC Goa since 2014.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Zico scored a total of 48 goals when he played for Brazil, becoming the fourth highest goal scorer for his national team. He became eight in the FIFA Player of the Century in 1999, part of the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players. Pele even regarded Zico as the best player ever saying, “throughout the years, the one player that came closest to me was Zico”.
Why Was He So Good?
Zico was a very creative player. He was gifted with outstanding technical skill and vision, considered to be the 70s and 80s’ most skilled finisher and best passer. Zico is the best playmaker of the sport and has the performed the best free kicks of all time. He is able to strike the ball at any direction.
What You May Not Know
- Zico founded his own team in 1997 naming it “Rio de Janeiro Futebol Clube”.
- He played for the 1982 and 1986 World Cups for Brazil but didn’t win.
- In 1990, Zico became very popular in Brazil that he became the National Secretary of Sports.
- Brazilian singer Jorge Benjor wrote a song in Zico’s honor because he was greatly inspired from his achievements.
- Outside Kashima Soccer Stadium is a statue of the Brazilian footballer/coach.
Was he a legend?
Do you agree with Zico being a legend of football / soccer?
How would you rate their greatness? (from good to 'the best')
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