Toninho Cerezo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Toninho Cerezo

Toninho Cerezo in 1993
Personal information
Full name	Antônio Carlos Cerezo
Date of birth	(1955-04-21) 21 April 1955 (age 70)
Place of birth	Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Height	1.83 m
Playing position	Defensive midfielder
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1972–1983	Atlético Mineiro	111	(12)
1973–1974	→ Nacional (AM) (loan)	20	(3)
1983–1986	Roma	70	(13)
1986–1992	Sampdoria	145	(14)
1992–1993	São Paulo	72	(7)
1994	Cruzeiro	10	(3)
1995	Lousano Paulista
1995–1996	São Paulo	8	(0)
1996	América Mineiro
1997	Atlético Mineiro
National team‡
1977–1986	Brazil	57	(5)
Teams managed
1999	Vitória
2000–2005	Kashima Antlers
2005	Guarani
2005	Atlético Mineiro
2007	Al Hilal
2007–2009	Al Shabab
2009–2010	Al Ain
2010	Sport Recife
2012	Vitória
2013–2015	Kashima Antlers
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12 September 2010. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 12 September 2010

Antônio Carlos Cerezo (born April 21, 1955), known as Toninho Cerezo, is a famous Brazilian former footballer. He is known as one of the best Brazilian defensive midfielders ever. A defensive midfielder helps protect the team's goal and also starts attacks.

Toninho Cerezo played for many clubs in Brazil and Italy. His most famous team was Atlético Mineiro, which was his hometown club. He also played for the Brazilian national team. He played in the 1978 FIFA World Cup and 1982 FIFA World Cup. In 1978, his team won a bronze medal. He also played in the 1979 Copa América, where Brazil finished third.

Playing for Football Clubs

Toninho Cerezo played as a defensive midfielder for many top clubs. These included Atlético Mineiro, Roma, Cruzeiro, Sampdoria, and São Paulo.

Awards in Brazil

While playing in Brazil, Toninho Cerezo won important awards. He received the Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball) in 1977 and 1980. He also won the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) in 1976. These awards recognize the best players in Brazilian football.

Success in Italy

When he played in Italy, Cerezo won the Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) four times. In 1991, his team Sampdoria won the Serie A league title. This is one of the top football leagues in the world.

Winning International Cups

With São Paulo, Toninho Cerezo won the Intercontinental Cup twice. This was a big competition between the best club teams from Europe and South America. He also won the Copa Libertadores once, which is the top club competition in South America.

In the 1993 Intercontinental Cup final, Cerezo was named the best player. He scored a goal and helped his teammate Müller score the winning goal in a 3–2 victory against Milan.

Retirement and Coaching

Toninho Cerezo stopped playing football in 1997. After studying coaching in Italy, he returned to Brazil. He started his coaching career at Vitória. He also coached the Japanese team Kashima Antlers for six years. There, he won five major titles, including two league championships.

After Japan, he coached other clubs in Brazil and Asia. These included Atlético Mineiro and Al Hilal.

Playing for Brazil

Toninho Cerezo played 57 games for the Brazilian national team. He scored five goals between 1977 and 1985.

World Cup Appearances

He played in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil finished in third place. He also played in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. In that tournament, Brazil was eliminated in the second round. They were in a tough group with Argentina and the eventual champions Italy.

He was supposed to play in the 1986 FIFA World Cup too. However, a hamstring injury in May prevented him from joining the team. He was also part of the Brazilian team that finished third in the 1979 Copa América.

A Memorable Match

At the 1982 FIFA World Cup, Brazil played against Italy. During the match, one of Cerezo's passes was taken by Italian striker Paolo Rossi. Rossi then scored a goal. Italy won the game 3–2, with Rossi scoring three goals. This result meant Brazil was knocked out of the tournament.

How Toninho Cerezo Played

Toninho Cerezo was a tall and strong midfielder. He was known for working very hard and having great stamina. He understood the game well and played with a lot of energy.

His Role on the Field

Even though he often played in a holding role (meaning he stayed back to defend), Cerezo was also very creative. He was praised for his skill, vision, and ability to pass the ball accurately. This allowed him to start attacks for his team. He could also win the ball back and create chances for his teammates. Because of this, he often played as a deep-lying playmaker. This means he started attacks from deeper on the field.

He was mainly a team player, preferring to help others score. However, he could also shoot accurately himself.

Personal Life

Toninho Cerezo is Roman Catholic. He has four children, including the famous fashion model Lea T.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Managerial Statistics

Honours and Achievements

As a Player

Club Trophies

Nacional

• Campeonato Amazonense: 1974

Atlético Mineiro

• Campeonato Mineiro: 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
• Copa dos Campeões da Copa Brasil: 1978
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A runner-up: 1977, 1980

Cruzeiro

• Campeonato Mineiro: 1984

Roma

• Coppa Italia: 1984, 1986
• European Cup runner-up: 1984

Sampdoria

• Serie A: 1990–91
• Coppa Italia: 1988, 1989
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1990
• European Cup runner-up: 1992
• Supercoppa Italiana: 1991

São Paulo

• Campeonato Paulista: 1992
• Copa Libertadores: 1993
• Supercopa Libertadores: 1993
• Recopa Sudamericana: 1993
• Intercontinental Cup: 1992, 1993

Individual Awards

• South American U-20 Championship Top Scorer: 1977
• Bola de Ouro: 1977, 1980
• Bola de Prata: 1976, 1977, 1980
• FIFA XI (Reserve): 1979
• World XI Soccer: 1983
• Intercontinental Cup Most Valuable Player of the Match Award: 1993
• A.S. Roma Hall of Fame: 2016

As a Manager

Club Trophies

Kashima Antlers

• J.League: 2000, 2001
• J.League Cup: 2000, 2002
• Emperor's Cup: 2000
• Suruga Bank Championship: 2013

Al Shabab

• UAE Football League: 2008

See also

In Spanish: Toninho Cerezo para niños