Zizinho

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 :You may also be looking for Gerardo dos Santos, who was also known as Zizinho


Thomaz Soares da Silva, also known as Zizinho, (September 14, 1922 - February 7, 2002) was a Brazilian football player, who played as an Attacking midfielder, striker and a winger for Brazil's national team. He was the first truly world class Brazilian attacking midfielder and he first made this clear to the world at the 1950 World Cup. He scored many goals and delighted fans with his dribbling and pace.

Born at São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, he played for Flamengo, Bangu, São Paulo FC, Audax Italiano of Chile among others teams. In Flamengo, he won state championships in 1942, 1943 and 1944.

In the 1950 World Cup his playing style delighted the fans, and he helped Brazil to progress to the final, but their surprise 2-1 defeat to Uruguay tarnished his reputation. Zizinho played a total of 53 times for his national team, scoring 30 goals.

Pelé always said that Zizinho was the best player he ever saw. "He was a complete player. He played in midfield, in attack, he scored goals, he could mark, head and cross."

He came in 4th place in the IFFHS Brazilian Player of the 20th Century.

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