Roberto Rivellino (b. January 1st, 1946 - São Paulo) is a Brazilian football player, famous for his extremely potent left-foot shot, thunderous long-range free kicks and large moustache. He also invented a soccer move called the "Elastico", also known as "flip flap". He is widely regarded as one of the most graceful footballers ever, and is usually ranked as the 4th best Brazilian, after Pele, Garrincha, and Zico, respectively, as well as one of the best midfielders the world's ever seen.

Rivelino, as he is most commonly known in Brazil, started as a futsal player in Clube Indiano, São Paulo. He tried to get in his childhood favorite team, Palmeiras in 1963, but they did not utilize him in the team. After that he tried his luck in their biggest rival, Corinthians, one of the most important Brazilian soccer teams. Unfortunately for him, when he played for Corinthians, the club was in one of the worst eras of its history. After losing the 1974 São Paulo State championship to Corinthians' arch-rival, Palmeiras, Rivelino was ostracized by the majority of Corinthians' supporters, and left the club to play for Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro. Among the cariocas, Rivelino was also an idol, winning the Carioca State Championship in 1975 and 1976. Towards the end of the seventies, Rivelino went to play in Saudi Arabia; he retired in 1981.

Rivelino is also one of the players that have more than 100 caps for the Brazilian national team. He was a starter in most games in the successful Brazilian campaign in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, scoring 3 goals, including the powerful free-kick against Czechoslovakia, which earned him the nickname "Patada Atómica" (Atomic Kick) by Mexican fans. Rivelino also played in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, although with less success (4th and 3rd places respectively).

After his professional retirement, Rivelino started a career as a soccer commentator and coach (he has directed the Japanese national team).

Rivelino was one of the players named by Pele in 2004 as the 125 Greatest Living Footballers.

External links

• IMNO Interviews Rivelino

1946 births | Living people | FIFA 100 | Brazilian footballers | Italian-Brazilians | Sport Club Corinthians Paulista players | Natives of São Paulo (city) | FIFA World Cup goalscorers | FIFA World Cup 1970 players | FIFA World Cup 1974 players | FIFA World Cup 1978 players | FIFA World Cup winners | Fluminense Football Club players

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