kids encyclopedia robot

Rildo (footballer, born 1942) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Rildo
Rildo.JPG
Rildo in 2010
Personal information
Full name Rildo da Costa Menezes
Date of birth (1942-01-23)23 January 1942
Place of birth Recife, Brazil
Date of death 16 May 2021(2021-05-16) (aged 79)
Place of death Los Angeles, CA, USA
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Playing position Defender
Youth career
1959 Ibis
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1960 Sport
1961–1966 Botafogo
1967–1972 Santos
1973–1976 CEUB
1977 New York Cosmos 12 (0)
1978 Southern California Lazers 24 (0)
1978–1979 Cleveland Force (indoor) 16 (2)
1979 California Sunshine
1980 Cleveland Cobras
National team
1963–1969 Brazil 38 (1)
Teams managed
1990 California Emperors
1993 Los Angeles Salsa
1995 San Fernando Valley Golden Eagles
  • Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Rildo da Costa Menezes (born January 23, 1942 – died May 16, 2021), known simply as Rildo, was a famous Brazilian football player. He was a skilled defender who played for many top teams.

Rildo's Amazing Club Career

Rildo was a key player during the "Golden Era" of the Santos FC team. This team included legendary players like Pelé, Pepe, Coutinho, and Clodoaldo.

Starting His Journey in Brazil

Rildo began his football journey in 1959. He signed a youth contract with Botafogo. In 1961, he started playing for Botafogo's main team. With Botafogo, he helped them win the state championship twice, in 1961 and 1962. They also won the Brazilian Championship in 1963.

In 1967, Rildo moved to Santos FC. He became the captain of the team and led them to win the São Paulo State Championship three times in a row (1967, 1968, 1969).

Playing in the United States

Later in his career, Rildo moved to the United States. In 1977, he joined his former teammate Pelé at the New York Cosmos. This team played in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

In 1978, he played for the Southern California Lazers in the American Soccer League. He was even chosen for the ASL all-star team that year. In 1979, he played for the California Sunshine. He then signed with the Cleveland Cobras in 1980.

Rildo's International Career with Brazil

Rildo also played for the Brazilian national team from 1963 to 1969. He played in 49 games for his country and scored one goal.

Playing in the FIFA World Cup

Rildo was part of the Brazilian team that played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. He scored his only goal for the national team during this tournament. It was in a game against Portugal, which Brazil unfortunately lost 3–1.

Rildo's Coaching Career

After his playing days, Rildo became a football coach.

  • In 1990, he coached the California Emperors.
  • In 1993, he coached the Los Angeles Salsa in the American Professional Soccer League. He left the team after they lost the championship game.
  • In 1995, he coached the San Fernando Valley Golden Eagles.

Rildo also helped coach the junior varsity soccer team at Marlborough High School. He worked with British Head Coach Gareth Pashley, and together they led the team to one of their best seasons ever.

Rildo's Passing

Rildo passed away in Los Angeles on May 16, 2021, at the age of 79.

Honours and Achievements

Rildo won many titles during his football career:

With Botafogo FR

  • Campeonato Carioca: 1961, 1962
  • Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 1962, 1966

With Santos FC

  • Campeonato Paulista: 1967, 1968, 1969
  • Recopa Sudamericana: 1968
  • Intercontinental Champions' Supercup: 1968
  • Torneio Roberto Gomes Pedrosa: 1968

With New York Cosmos

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rildo da Costa Menezes para niños

kids search engine
Rildo (footballer, born 1942) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.