Flashback Friday: Rivelino

Flashback Friday: Rivelino

He is one of the forgotten icons of the game. Rivelino was part of the magical Brazilian team of 60’s and 70’s where they were simply unstoppable with the plethora of talent and class that they possessed.

Rivelino was part of the great Brazilian team that won FIFA World Cup in 1970, which is arguably the best team to win the World Cup of all time. He is remembered for his goal against Czechoslovakia which is dubbed as “Patada Atómica”, which translates to atomic kick in English. He was often deployed on the left of midfield and was influential with his timely goals and defence splitting passes.

Rivelino had a mixed career at the club level as he personally had decent spells at Fluminese and Corinthians. He later on moved to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia where he called it quits after almost playing at the top level for almost two decades.

He was known for his skills and trickery. He famously mastered the ‘flip-flap’ technique which was ably copied by many stars including the modern day greats like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. Diego Maradona one the greats of game has cited Rivelino as his prime influence while growing up. Rivelino was famous for his moustache, dipping free kicks, long range screamers and sublime control with his left foot.

Rivelino retired in 1981 and is regarded as one of the greats of the game ever since his playing days. He was included in Pele’s FIFA 100 list. He currently works as football pundit for Brazilian channel Cultura.

Rivelino in a nutshell –

FIFA World Cup: 1970

World Cup All-Star Team player: 1970

FIFA 100: 2004

Bola de Prata Brazilian Championship All-Star Team: 1971

Bronze ball South American Footballer of the Year: 1973

Bronze ball South American Footballer of the Year: 1976

Silver ball South American Footballer of the Year: 1977

International Football Hall of Fame (IFHOF): 1997

13º Maior jogador Brasileiro do Século XX pela IFFHS: 1999

32º Maior jogador sulamericano do século : 1999

100 Best Players of the Century – World Soccer (Readers): 1999

Premio Golden Foot Award (Lenda do Futebol): 2006

49 Best Players of All Time – World Soccer (Jury): 2010