Roberto Rivelino
Roberto Rivelino (born January 1, 1946 - São Paulo) is a Brazilian football player, famous for his extremely potent left-foot shot, thunderous long-range free kicks, excellent long passes, quick thinking, distinct way of handling the ball and large moustache. He also invented a football move called the "Elastico", also known as "flip flap", famously copied by Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimović in recent years. He is widely regarded as one of the most graceful footballers ever, and is usually ranked as the 4th best Brazilian, after Pelé, Garrincha, and Zico, respectively, as well as one of the best midfielders the world has ever seen. He is, for many footbal experts, the greatest player in Corinthians and Fluminense history.
Rivelino started as a futsal player at Clube Atletico Indiano, São Paulo. He tried to get into his childhood favourite team, Palmeiras in 1963, but he was rejected as not being skilful enough. After that he tried his luck with their biggest rival, Corinthians, where he got nicknamed "O Rei de Parque" (King of the Park). Unfortunately for him, when he played for Corinthians, they were in one of the worst eras of their history. After losing the 1974 São Paulo State championship to Corinthians' arch-rivals, Palmeiras, Rivelino was ostracised by the majority of Corinthians' supporters, and left the club to play for Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro. Among the cariocas, Rivelino was also an idol, winning the Carioca State Championship in 1975 and 1976. Towards the end of the seventies, Rivelino went to play for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia; he retired from professional football in 1981.
Rivelino is also one of the players that have more than 100 caps for the Brazilian national team. He was a starter in most games in the successful Brazilian campaign in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, scoring 3 goals, including the powerful free-kick against Czechoslovakia, which earned him the nickname "Patada Atómica" (Atomic Kick) by Mexican fans. Rivelino also played in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, although with less success (4th and 3rd places respectively).
After his professional retirement, Rivelino started a career as a football commentator and coach (he has managed the Japanese national team).
Rivelino was one of the players named by Pelé in 2004 as the 125 Greatest Living Footballers.
Rivelino is unofficially credited with scoring the fastest goal in football history when he supposedly scored a goal direct from the kick-off after noticing the opposition goalkeeper on his knees finishing off pre-match prayers.
External links
ar:ريفيلينو de:Roberto Rivelino es:Roberto Rivelino fr:Rivelino gl:Rivelino it:Rivelino ja:ロベルト・リベリーノ pl:Rivelino pt:Roberto Rivellino fi:Rivelino sv:Roberto Rivelino