Zizinho facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Thomaz Soares da Silva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 14 September 1921 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | São Gonçalo, Brazil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 8 February 2002 (aged 80) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Niterói, Brazil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.69 m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Attacking midfielder | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1939–1950 | Flamengo | 172 | (88) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1950–1957 | Bangu | 147 | (65) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1957–1960 | São Paulo | 35 | (19) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1959 | → São Bento de Marília (loan) | 9 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1961 | Audax Italiano | 16 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 379 | (177) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1942–1957 | Brazil | 53 | (30) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teams managed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1960 | Bangu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1965–1966 | Bangu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1967 | Vasco da Gama | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1972 | Vasco da Gama | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1980 | Bangu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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Thomaz Soares da Silva, known to many as Zizinho (born September 14, 1921 – died February 8, 2002), was a famous Brazilian football player. He played as an attacking midfielder for the Brazil national football team. Zizinho became well-known during the 1950 FIFA World Cup, where he scored two goals.
People called him a "complete player." He had many great skills. He was good at dribbling the ball and passing it. He could shoot well with both feet. He was also very accurate with free kicks. Zizinho had amazing vision on the field. He was the idol of Pelé, who is often called the greatest footballer ever. Many think Zizinho was one of Brazil's best players before Pelé's time.
Contents
Zizinho's Football Journey
Zizinho was born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He played for several big clubs. These included Flamengo, Bangu, and São Paulo FC. He also played for Audax Italiano in Chile.
Early Success at Flamengo
Zizinho became the first big star for Flamengo. He helped the club win state championships. These wins happened in 1942, 1943, and 1944. Just before the 1950 World Cup, he moved to Bangu.
Winning with São Paulo
Later, Zizinho joined São Paulo FC. He was very important to their team. In 1957, he helped them win the state championship. He became a beloved player there too.
Playing for Brazil
Zizinho played 53 games for the Brazilian national team. He scored 30 goals for his country.
The 1950 World Cup
Zizinho was a key player for Brazil in the 1950 FIFA World Cup. He helped his team reach the final match. However, Brazil lost 2-1 to Uruguay. This was a big surprise and made many Brazilians sad.
Turning Down Later World Cups
The CBF invited Zizinho to play in the 1954 and 1958 World Cups. But he said no both times. He felt it would be unfair to other players. He didn't want someone to be dropped from the team just for him.
Pelé's Idol
Pelé always said that Zizinho was the best player he had ever seen. Pelé described him as a "complete player." He explained that Zizinho could play in midfield and attack. He scored goals, marked opponents, headed the ball, and crossed it well.
Awards and Achievements
Zizinho won many awards and titles during his career.
Club Trophies
- Campeonato Carioca: 1942, 1943, 1944
- Campeonato Paulista: 1957
International Honors
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1950
- South American Championship: 1949
- Taça do Atlântico: 1956
- Roca Cup: 1945
- Copa Rio Branco: 1950
- Taça Oswaldo Cruz: 1955, 1956
Individual Recognitions
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1950 (This award goes to the best player of the tournament)
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1950 (He was chosen as one of the best players in the World Cup)
- IFFHS Brazilian Player of the 20th Century (4th place)
- IFFHS South American Player of the 20th Century (10th place)
- Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame (His name is in the hall of fame for great Brazilian footballers)
Records He Holds
- South American Championship / Copa América all-time top goalscorer: 17 goals (He shares this record with Norberto Méndez)
See also
In Spanish: Zizinho para niños
