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| Rivellino | |
|---|---|
| Name | Roberto Rivellino |
| Fullname | Roberto Rivellino |
| Birth date | 1 January 1946 |
| Birth place | Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Height | 1.72 m |
| Position | Attacking midfielder |
| Youth clubs | Corinthians |
| Years1 | 1965–1974 |
| Clubs1 | Corinthians |
| Years2 | 1975–1978 |
| Clubs2 | Fluminense |
| Years3 | 1978–1980 |
| Clubs3 | Al-Hilal |
| Nationalyears1 | 1965–1974 |
| Nationalteam1 | Brazil |
| Nationalcaps1 | 26 |
Rivellino was a Brazilian attacking midfielder and forward renowned for his technical skill, trademark "flip flap" dribble and powerful long-range shots. He became a cult figure at Corinthians, a key member of the Brazil squad that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup, and later starred for Fluminense and Al-Hilal. Rivellino influenced generations of playmakers across South America, Europe, and Asia and remains widely cited in discussions of classic Brazilian futebol.
Born in São Paulo to Italian immigrant parents, Rivellino developed in a city shaped by clubs like Corinthians, Palmeiras, Santos FC, and São Paulo FC. As a child he played in neighborhood tournaments alongside contemporaries who later joined teams such as Portuguesa Santista and Noroeste. He entered the youth setup at Corinthians during the 1960s and trained under coaches influenced by tactics from Italy and Brazilian regional schools tied to figures like Vittorio Pozzo and innovators from the Rio de Janeiro scene. Early teammates included players who moved between famous clubs like Botafogo and Flamengo, exposing him to styles associated with icons such as Pelé, Garrincha, Tostão, and Rivellino's contemporaries.
Rivellino debuted for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in the mid-1960s and became a central creative force during campaigns against rivals such as Palmeiras and São Paulo FC. At Corinthians he played in matches at Pacaembu Stadium and took part in tournaments like the Campeonato Paulista and national competitions that predated the modern Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. His performances earned comparisons to Brazilian playmakers who had starred at Santos FC and attracted attention from European clubs including suitors from FC Barcelona and AC Milan—though transfer moves did not materialize at that stage.
In 1975 he transferred to Fluminense where he linked with players who had come through the ranks at Vasco da Gama and Botafogo. At Fluminense he won titles in state competitions and played in fixtures against continental opponents from tournaments organized by CONMEBOL, meeting clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors. In the late 1970s he moved to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, joining a wave of South American stars who played in the Gulf region alongside signings that reshaped leagues in Asia and the Middle East. His club career featured intense derbies, continental fixtures and appearances at iconic stadiums used by teams such as Maracanã and Estádio do Morumbi.
Rivellino made his senior international debut for Brazil national football team in the 1960s and became a squad member through the era that produced the famous 1970 side managed by Mário Zagallo. Although Brazil had stars like Pelé, Gérson, Tostão, and Jairzinho, Rivellino contributed crucially in matches of the 1970 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds and group stages, participating in fixtures against England national football team, Italy national football team, and Uruguay national football team. He was also part of squads that contested editions of the Copa América and played in friendlies versus European powers including West Germany and Spain.
Following the 1970 triumph, he remained an international presence through the early 1970s, featuring in qualifying campaigns and high-profile matches against South American rivals such as Argentina national football team and Paraguay national football team. Selection controversies and changing coaching choices, including managers connected to clubs like Fluminense and Corinthians, influenced his national team appearances. His international record is often discussed alongside contemporaries who transitioned to coaching roles at institutions like CBF.
Rivellino was celebrated for a repertoire that combined the dribbling techniques of Garrincha with the long-range shooting associated with players from Europe and Argentina. His most famous maneuver, a rapid lateral feint later dubbed the "flip flap" by observers, influenced subsequent practitioners such as Roberto Carlos, Juninho Pernambucano, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo in aspects of ball control and trickery. He executed powerful free-kicks and volleys reminiscent of long-range specialists from Spain and Portugal and inspired coaching curricula at clubs like Corinthians and academies linked to Fluminense.
As a cultural figure, Rivellino appeared in documentaries alongside names such as Pelé and in analyses published by football historians connected to institutions like FIFA and IFFHS. His style contributed to debates about the Brazilian school versus European tactical models exemplified by clubs like Ajax and national teams like Netherlands national football team in the 1970s. Many modern playmakers cite him when tracing technical lineages that pass through players at Santos FC, Flamengo, and elite European academies.
Off the pitch Rivellino maintained ties to São Paulo and remained engaged with former club networks including events at Pacaembu Stadium and civic ceremonies with municipal authorities. He has been photographed with former teammates who later worked at clubs like Corinthians and Fluminense or held positions within federations such as CBF. His public appearances occasionally coincided with charity matches featuring veterans from teams like Santos FC and Botafogo. Rivellino’s family background includes Italian ancestry connected to migration patterns that involved regions like Sicily and Campania.
- Winner: 1970 FIFA World Cup with Brazil national football team - Campeonato Paulista titles and state honours with Corinthians and Fluminense - Individual recognitions in lists compiled by organizations such as FIFA and IFFHS - Inductions and lifetime achievement acknowledgments from clubs like Corinthians and Fluminense
Category:Brazilian footballers Category:1970 FIFA World Cup players