Rivellino, Brazilian footballer and manager
Roberto Rivellino: The Iconic Maestro of Brazilian Football
Born on 1 January 1946, Roberto Rivellino, often referred to simply as Rivelino, is a revered Brazilian football pundit and a retired footballer whose name is synonymous with elegance and skill. Known for his distinctive large moustache and a playing style that captivated millions, Rivellino continues to contribute to the sport as a prominent pundit for Brazilian TV Cultura, offering insightful analysis and sharing his vast experience.
The son of Italian immigrants hailing from Macchiagodena in the province of Isernia, Italy, Rivellino's heritage subtly influenced a career that would see him become one of the most celebrated figures in football history, globally recognized for his unparalleled left foot and visionary play.
A Star of the Legendary 1970 World Cup Winning Team
Rivellino was a pivotal member of Brazil's legendary 1970 FIFA World Cup winning squad, a team often hailed as the greatest international football team of all time. Playing primarily as a left-winger or attacking midfielder, he contributed significantly to their triumph in Mexico, mesmerising audiences with his precise passes, powerful shots, and creative flair. His performances alongside icons like Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão, and Gérson cemented his status as a true footballing legend and a key architect of that historic victory.
Signature Style and Unforgettable Skills
Rivellino's playing style was characterized by a rare combination of power, precision, and grace. He possessed an exceptional technical repertoire that made him a formidable opponent and an absolute joy to watch. His mastery of the ball was evident in every touch, distinguishing him as one of the most graceful footballers ever to grace the pitch.
- Bending Free Kicks: Renowned for his incredibly powerful and accurately curled free kicks, Rivellino could bend the ball with remarkable precision, making him a constant threat from set-piece situations.
- Long-Range Shooting: He possessed a cannon of a left foot, capable of unleashing thunderous shots from considerable distances that often found the back of the net with devastating power and accuracy.
- Accurate Long Passing and Vision: His extraordinary vision allowed him to orchestrate play from deep, threading pinpoint long passes across the field that would dissect opposition defences and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- Close Ball Control and Dribbling Skills: Rivellino's exceptional close control, combined with his mesmerising dribbling abilities and deceptive feints, allowed him to glide past defenders with apparent ease, even in tight spaces.
- The "Flip Flap" (Elástico): Rivellino is widely credited with perfecting the "flip flap" or "Elástico," a revolutionary dribbling move. This trick involves quickly pushing the ball with the outside of the foot in one direction and then instantly bringing it back with the inside of the same foot, creating a highly effective feint. This iconic move has since been famously adopted and popularized by an array of world-class players, including Romário, Mágico González, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo, showcasing Rivellino's lasting influence on the game's technical evolution.
Enduring Legacy and Global Recognition
Rivellino's profound impact on football transcends his playing career. He is universally regarded not only as one of the most graceful football players but also as one of the greatest players of all time. His unique blend of artistry and effectiveness inspired countless aspiring footballers and earned him the admiration of his peers and successors.
Notably, the legendary Argentine midfielder Diego Maradona openly declared Rivellino among his greatest inspirations during his formative years. Maradona often cited Rivellino's incredible close control, deceptive feints, and unparalleled ability with his left foot as key aspects that he sought to emulate in his own game.
Further solidifying his global recognition, Rivellino was honoured in 2004 when Pelé, widely considered the greatest footballer ever, personally named him in the prestigious FIFA 100 list. This compilation celebrated the world's greatest living players as part of FIFA's centenary celebrations, a testament to Rivellino's enduring legacy and undeniable impact on the beautiful game.
Frequently Asked Questions about Roberto Rivellino
- What is Roberto Rivellino's most famous football move?
- Roberto Rivellino is most famous for perfecting the "flip flap," also known as the "Elástico." This dazzling dribbling technique involves quickly pushing the ball with the outside of the foot and then bringing it back with the inside of the same foot in a single, fluid motion.
- Which iconic players were inspired by Roberto Rivellino?
- Beyond his contemporaries, the legendary Diego Maradona cited Rivellino as one of his greatest inspirations, particularly admiring his close control, feints, and dominant left foot. The "flip flap" move itself has been famously adopted and utilized by modern greats like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Was Rivellino part of a World Cup winning team?
- Yes, Roberto Rivellino was a key member and one of the stars of the Brazil national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. This team is frequently considered the greatest football team of all time.
- What position did Roberto Rivellino play?
- Roberto Rivellino primarily played as an attacking midfielder or left-winger during his illustrious career, utilizing his exceptional left foot and vision to create scoring opportunities and score goals.
- What is the FIFA 100 list?
- The FIFA 100 is a list of the 125 greatest living football players, compiled by Pelé in 2004 for FIFA's centenary celebration. Roberto Rivellino was one of the esteemed players included in this prestigious list.