Batista (footballer, born 1955) facts for kids

João Batista da Silva (born March 8, 1955), known as Batista, is a famous Brazilian former professional football player. He played as a defensive midfielder, a position where players help protect their team's goal. Batista was a key player for many clubs and for the Brazilian national team. He even won a gold medal in football at the 1975 Pan American Games.

Playing for Clubs

Batista played for several football clubs during his career. Most of his time was spent in Brazil, but he also played in Italy and Portugal.

Early Career in Brazil

He started his career at Internacional in 1973 and stayed there until 1981. This was a very successful period for him. With Internacional, he helped his team win the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, which is Brazil's top football league, three times. These wins happened in 1975, 1976, and 1979.

After Internacional, he played for Grêmio in 1982 and Palmeiras in 1983.

Playing in Europe

From 1983 to 1985, Batista played for Lazio in Italy. He then moved to Avellino for a short time in 1985. Later that year, he joined Belenenses in Portugal, where he played until 1987.

Return to Brazil

Batista finished his playing career back in Brazil with Avaí from 1988 to 1989.

Playing for Brazil

Batista also had an important career playing for his country, Brazil.

Olympic and Pan American Games

He played in the men's football tournament at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Brazil finished in fourth place in that competition. Before that, he won a gold medal with the Brazilian team at the 1975 Pan American Games.

World Cup Appearances

Batista played 38 games for the main Brazilian national team between 1978 and 1983. He was part of the Brazil squad for two FIFA World Cup tournaments: 1978 and 1982.

In the 1978 World Cup, Batista played in all seven of Brazil's matches. The team did not lose any games and only let in three goals! Brazil ended up finishing in third place in the tournament.

For the 1982 World Cup, Batista was a reserve player. He came on as a substitute in one famous match against Argentina. During this game, the legendary player Diego Maradona was sent off (meaning he had to leave the field) after a foul on Batista.

Copa América

Batista was also part of the Brazilian team that finished in third place at the 1979 Copa América, a major football tournament for South American countries.

How Batista Played

Batista was known for being a strong defensive midfielder. This means his main job was to protect his team's defense. He was very good at winning the ball back from opponents. Once he got the ball, he could also help start attacking plays for his team. He was a very smart player, even though he wasn't the fastest on the field.

After Football

After he stopped playing professional football, Batista became a commentator. He now works for the Brazilian television channel RBS, which is part of the big Globo TV network. He shares his knowledge and insights about football with viewers.

Awards and Trophies

Batista won many important titles during his career.

Club Honours

• Internacional
  • Campeonato Gaúcho: 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981
  • Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1975, 1976, 1979
• Avaí
  • Campeonato Catarinense: 1988

Individual Awards

• Bola de Prata: 1980, 1982

See also

In Spanish: Batista (futbolista) para niños