Leandro (footballer, born 1959) facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | José Leandro de Souza Ferreira | ||
| Date of birth | 17 March 1959 | ||
| Place of birth | Cabo Frio, Brazil | ||
| Height | 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Right wing-back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1978–1990 | Flamengo | 119 | (5) |
| International career | |||
| 1981–1986 | Brazil | 27 | (2) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
José Leandro de Souza Ferreira (born March 17, 1959), known simply as Leandro, is a famous Brazilian former footballer. He was a talented defender.
Leandro played his entire professional career for the club Flamengo. He started as a right-sided full-back. Later, from 1983 onwards, he played as a central defender. He also represented the Brazilian national team in the 1980s. This included playing in the exciting 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Contents
Leandro's Club Career
Leandro spent his whole club career playing for Flamengo. He achieved many great things with the team. He helped Flamengo win four Brazilian national leagues. They also won five Rio State championships.
One of his biggest wins was the Libertadores da América title. He also helped them win the Intercontinental Cup in 1981. This was a big match against the English team Liverpool. In total, Leandro played 417 matches for Flamengo. He scored 14 goals during his time there.
Playing for Brazil
Leandro played 27 matches for the Brazilian national team. He scored two goals for his country. His international career lasted from September 1981 to May 1986.
1982 FIFA World Cup
Leandro was part of the amazing Brazilian team at the 1982 FIFA World Cup. This team had many football stars. Some of his famous teammates included Zico, Júnior, Falcão, and Sócrates.
The Brazilian team played a very exciting style of attacking football. However, they were eliminated in the second round. They were in a tough group with their rivals Argentina and the eventual champions Italy.
Other International Matches
Leandro also played in the 1983 Copa América tournament. Brazil finished in second place in that competition.
He was a man of strong principles. He chose not to go to the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. This was because he disagreed with the coach, Telê Santana. The coach had decided to leave out Leandro's teammate, Renato, from the squad.
Life After Football
Leandro stopped playing football early in 1990. He was 31 years old when he retired. Today, he owns and manages a restaurant and a hotel. These businesses are in his hometown of Cabo Frio.
Leandro's Playing Style
Leandro is considered one of Brazil's greatest defenders ever. He started his career as an attacking right-sided full-back. In this role, he was great at sending crosses into the box for his teammates. He could also take shots at the goal himself.
He was also very good at dribbling past opposing players. He could move forward quickly to help the attack. Leandro was able to cover the entire right side of the field. He would often be in an attacking position. But he would always get back to defend when needed.
After suffering several knee injuries in 1985, Leandro had some surgeries. After this, he started playing as a centre-back. He was very successful in this new position too. He was even called up to the Brazilian national team to play as a centre-back.
Achievements and Awards
Club Honours
- Flamengo
- Campeonato Carioca: 1978, 1979, 1979, 1981, 1986
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1980, 1982, 1983
- Copa União: 1987
- Intercontinental Cup: 1981
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Copa do Brasil: 1990
Individual Awards
- Bola de Prata: 1982, 1985
