Leônidas da Silva facts for kids
Leonidas in 1938
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Leônidas da Silva | ||
| Date of birth | 6 September 1913 | ||
| Place of birth | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | ||
| Date of death | 24 January 2004 (aged 90) | ||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Playing position | Striker (retired) | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1929 1929–1930 1931–1932 1933 1934 1935–1936 1936–1942 1943–1950 |
São Cristóvão Sírio Libanês Bonsucesso Peñarol Vasco da Gama Botafogo Flamengo São Paulo |
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| National team | |||
| 1932–1946 | Brazil | ||
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Leônidas da Silva (born September 6, 1913 – died January 24, 2004) was a famous Brazilian football player. He is known as one of the greatest players of his time. People called him the "Black Diamond" or the "Rubber Man" because of his amazing skills. Leônidas was especially famous for inventing the bicycle kick. He played for the Brazil national team and many top clubs.
Contents
The Early Years of a Football Star
Leônidas da Silva was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started playing football at a young age. His talent was clear from the start. He quickly became known for his speed, agility, and incredible goal-scoring ability.
Playing for Different Clubs
Leônidas played for many different football clubs during his career. He started with São Cristóvão in 1929. He then moved to other teams like Bonsucesso and Vasco da Gama.
Success with Flamengo
One of his most important times was with Flamengo. He played there from 1936 to 1942. During this time, he helped Flamengo win the Rio de Janeiro State Championship three times. He was a true leader on the field.
Joining São Paulo
Later, Leônidas joined São Paulo in 1943. He continued to be a star player there. He helped São Paulo win the São Paulo State Championship multiple times. He retired from playing football in 1950.
Leônidas and the World Cup
Leônidas was a key player for the Brazil national team. He played in two FIFA World Cup tournaments. These were the 1934 and 1938 World Cups.
1934 FIFA World Cup
In the 1934 World Cup, Brazil played only one match. They lost to Spain. But Leônidas scored Brazil's only goal in that tournament. It showed his promise as a top international player.
1938 FIFA World Cup
The 1938 World Cup was Leônidas's best tournament. He was the top scorer, with seven goals. Brazil finished in third place. This was a great achievement for the team.
The Bicycle Kick
It was during the 1938 World Cup that Leônidas famously used the bicycle kick. This move involves a player kicking the ball overhead while lying in the air. He scored a goal using this spectacular move. It became his signature move and made him even more famous.
Life After Football
After retiring from playing, Leônidas stayed involved in football. He worked as a coach for a short time. He also became a sports commentator on the radio. He shared his knowledge and love for the game with many fans.
Leônidas da Silva passed away on January 24, 2004. He was 90 years old. He is remembered as one of Brazil's greatest football heroes. His legacy, especially the bicycle kick, continues to inspire players today.
See also
In Spanish: Leônidas da Silva para niños
Images for kids
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Leônidas in 1938
