Rivellino, whose full name is Roberto Rivellino, is a former Brazilian football player who is widely considered as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He was born on January 1, 1946, in São Paulo, Brazil, and began his football career at the local youth team, Corinthians. He quickly established himself as a rising star and became one of the most talented players of his generation.
Right man, wrong time
Despite his immense talent, Rivellino was often overshadowed by his more famous Brazilian teammates, such as Pelé and Garrincha. Many believe that he was the “right man, but in the wrong time” because he played in an era dominated by some of the greatest footballers of all time. Nevertheless, Rivellino was a key player for Brazil during the 1970 World Cup, where he helped his team win their third World Cup trophy.
The 1970 World Cup
Rivellino, also known as Roberto Rivellino, was a prominent Brazilian footballer who played in the 1970 World Cup. He played as a midfielder and was known for his excellent dribbling skills, as well as his powerful left foot.
During the 1970 World Cup, Rivellino was an integral part of the Brazilian team that went on to win the tournament. He scored three goals in total, including one in the quarterfinals against Peru and one in the final against Italy.
Rivellino’s performances in the tournament were highly praised, and he was named in the All-Star team for the tournament. His goal in the final, a powerful long-range strike that flew past the Italian goalkeeper, is considered one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
Off the field, Rivellino was known for his flamboyant style and was often seen wearing a distinctive headband during matches. He was also known for his close friendship with fellow Brazilian player Pele, who was also a key member of the 1970 World Cup-winning team.
Overall, Rivellino’s performances in the 1970 World Cup helped cement his status as one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by football fans around the world.
Later Career
After the 1970 World Cup, Rivellino continued to play for Corinthians for several years before moving to Fluminense in 1975. He also had a brief stint playing in the United States for the New York Cosmos, where he played alongside Pelé. Despite his success on the pitch, Rivellino struggled with injuries towards the end of his career and retired in 1981.
Rivellino’s legacy
Rivellino’s legacy in Brazilian football is immense, and he is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was known for his skill on the ball, his ability to shoot from long range, and his vision and creativity in midfield. He was also known for his distinctive moustache, which became his trademark during his playing career. In 2004, he was included in Pele’s list of the 125 greatest living footballers. Today, Rivellino remains an important figure in Brazilian football, and his influence can still be seen in the style of play adopted by Brazilian teams.
