ZIZINHO
Flamengo, Bangú
Sao Paulo, Audax Italiano
1939-1962

Predecessor to Pele, and some consider as great, Zizinho was the complete midfielder--possessor of great ball control, finesse, and a precise shot. Fate and timing control his story in the history of Brazilian football. He has never received the attention he deserved due to timing. Zizinho was at his career best during the 1940s, and World War II cancelled the World Cups in 1942 and 1946, so he never had the chance to show the world his skills. But his skills and talents are evidenced by these amazing statistics: 3 state league titles with Flamengo (1942-1944), starter for the 1950 World Cup team, a state title for Sao Paulo in 1957 at the ripe-old age of 35, and South American Championship appearances in 1942, 1945, 1946, 1949, 1953, and 1957. He scored 31 goals in 54 appearances.