Biography
Arthur Antunes Coimbra (born in March 3, 1953), better known as Zico, was a famous Brazilian football player. Zico was named by Pele as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004 and, for many people, is considered the best Brazilian player after Pele. Zico is considered an idol for millions of people (particularly in Brazil, Japan and Italy), not only for 's unique talent as a player, but also for 's personal history and charisma. auto insurance, insurance quote, insurance rateZico comes from a low middle-class family, in the suburbs of Quintino, Rio de Janeiro.
As many young kids in Brazil, Zico has spent 's youth playing soccer for fun during all day and dreaming of playing professionally at night. Eventually, when Zico was still a teenager, Zico called the attention of radio reporter Celso Garcia, who took 's to a play test at Flamengo. Since then, Zico began 's path to become one of the most admired players in history of football (soccer). insurance quotePhysically, Zico wasn't strong and 's history of determination and discipline began with a hard muscle and body development program. Working hard (and also through special diet sponsored by 's team), Zico was able to develop a strong body and become an athlete. Later on, when Zico would be hunted in the field, this physical development proved to be essential for 's success.
History And 's Career
Zico played most of 's career at Flamengo and also played at Udinese. After Zico retired from international football (in 1989 from the Brazilian national team and in 1990 from Flamengo), Zico became the first director general of the Brazilian National Secretary of Sports, in 1990. Shortly, Zico would leave this political assignment to face an even more challengeable mission in Japan, where Zico practically founded football after helping -- as a technical director, coach and player -- the development of Kashima Antlers, from 1991 on.During 's career in Flamengo, Zico lead the most glorious period of the team history. Along with many other titles, in 's first period at Flamengo Zico would lead the team to conquer the Copa Libertadores in 1981, the Intercontinental Cup in 1981, and three national titles, among several other titles. In the field, Zico has made goals in all imaginable ways, and was also a great assister and team organizer, as Zico had a very privileged vision of the field. Zico would pass and kick with both legs and was an expert on free kicks.In a multi-million dollar transaction, Zico was hired to play for Udinese, in Italy, from 1983 to 1985. Though leaving several Brazilian fans in sadness, Zico would lead Udinese to be among the best Italian teams. Unhappily, though, Udinese hasn�t conquered any important title and Zico would eventually come back to Brazil and Flamengo, sponsored by a group of companies.In 's return, Zico has suffered from a knee injury, which would interrupt 's career for several months. After a very difficult time in the 1986 World Cup, when he, still injured, lost a penalty kick against France, Zico would come back in 1987, when Zico led Flamengo to its fourth national title. Overall, Zico scored 52 goals in 72 matches for Brazil, and also played in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups.After the first presidential election in many years, Brazilian new president Fernando Collor de Mello would appoint Zico as 's ministry of sports. Zico has stayed at this political assignment for about a year and 's most important contribution was a legislation dealing with the business side of sport teams, as most of the teams in Brazil were (and still are in 2005) administered more like amateur associations than professional companies.Zico would interrupt 's political assignment to accept a much more rewarding job, both financially and in joy: in 1991 Zico joined the Sumitomo Metal Industries soccer division (the present Kashima Antlers). Zico helped develop from scratch the formerly small club from Kashima-cho (present-day Kashima city) into one of Japan's best sides.Zico�s discipline, talent and professionalism would fit very well with the Japanese culture. Zico has oriented the Japanese in all aspects of the team development and, as a player, would rapidly become a national idol after some of 's career most fantastic goals and assistances. In 's third and also very impacting commemorative farewell game, in 1994 Zico retired as a player and became the technical adviser of Kashima Antlers. As Zico would stay only part-time in Japan, in 1995 Zico founded 's own football team in Brazil, called Clube de Futebol Zico (Zico Football Club).
Japan's Coach
His influence and the recognition of 's role in the development of Japan�s soccer has been growing ever since. Besides having 's name in public squares, statues and even being the image used to promote latest Winning Eleven Asia's edition, since July of 2002 Zico is the head coach of the Japanese national team, succeeding Philippe Troussier. After an uncertain start and several rumors that Zico would quit, Zico managed to stay in the job, winning the Kirin Cup in 2004 and leading Japan to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2006 scheduled to be held in Germany.
Zico - All 's Goals (number of goals, matches and goal average)
Flamengo: 568 - 765 - 0,74
Udinese (ITA): 57 - 79 - 0,72
Kashima Antlers (JAP): 54 - 88 - 0,61
Brazil national football team: 66 - 89 - 0,74
Masters soccer team: 8 - 16 - 0,50
Others: 44 - 49 - 0,90
Total: 797 - 1086 - 0,73
Major Prizes
Best soccer player of the Americas elected by El Mundo (VEN) 1977, Best soccer player in the world chosen by Guerin Esportivo (ITA), El Balon (ESP), El Mundo (VEN) e Placar magazine 1981, Best soccer player of the Americas chosen by El Grafico (ARG) and El Mundo (VEN) 1982, Major scorer in Brazil - 59 goals 1982, Set a goal record in a single season as a Flamengo player - 49 goals 1974 and 56 goals 1976, Set a record of goals in matches in a row in the Japanese Tournament - 11 goals in 10 matches in a row 1992, Second best scorer of the Italian Championship, right after Platini, having played 6 matches less than the French player and in a much weaker team - Udinese 1983.
