ZIZINHO

Date Of Birth : 14 September 1921
Position : Attacking Midfielder
Nation : Brazil
Height : 172 cm
Major Club : Flamengo
Caps : 53 Games (30 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1950 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Brazil State Champions
International Honours : 1949 Copa America Winners
4 Times Copa America Runner-Up (1945, 1946, 1953, 1957)
1950 FIFA World Cup Winners
Individual Achievement : 1950 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
1950 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
Copa America All-Time Top Scorer (17 Goals)
Brazil Football Museum Hall of Fame

Zizinho was one of the greatest South American footballers in his era. He came to international prominence at the 1950 World Cup, where scored two goals. He played as an inside-right but could operate his game in central midfield with his stamina to help defensive game, is noted for his dribbling skills and pace. Zizinho played for Flamengo, Bangu, São Paulo FC, Audax Italiano of Chile among others teams. He mostly spent his career with Flamengo and scored 146 golas for the club. In the 1950 World Cup he helped Brazil to progress to the final, but their surprise 2-1 defeat to Uruguay tarnished his reputation. Pelé always said that Zizinho was the best player he ever saw. "He was a complete player. He played in midfield, in attack, he scored goals, he could mark, head and cross." He came in 4th place in the IFFHS Brazilian Player and 10th place South American player of the 20th Century.