GERSON de Oliveira Nunes
Flamengo, Botafogo
Sao Paulo, Fluminense
1959-1974

The field general for the great 1970 World Cup champs, Gerson was instrumental in re-establishing Brazil as the world power after their disappointing 1966 performance. Known for his on-field banter, he was nicknamed the "Parrot". The spotlight shown on him at 19 in the 1960 Rome Olympics, and he never left it his entire career. He helped Flamengo win the state title in 1961, and then after transferring to Botafogo, he steered them to Rio championships in 1967 and 1968. Following those titles, he was sent to Sao Paulo, where he won two Paulista state championships. A left-footed midfielder, he was the key to the success of Brazilian forwards Pele, Tostao and Jairzinho.