Name: Artur Antunes Coimbra (better known as 'Zico') Born: 3rd March 1953, Position: Attacking Midfielder Clubs: Flamengo (Brazil), Udinese (Italy), Flamengo (Brazil), Kashima Antlers (Japan) Country: Brazil
Major Honours:   Rio State Championship 1972, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1979 (special), 1981, 1986 Brazilian Championship 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987 Libertadores Cup 1981 Intercontinental Cup 1981 J. League 1st Stage Championship 1993. Relevant Career Statistics: 88  caps and 66 goals for Brazil. He is also Flamengo's top ever goal scorer with 508 goals in 731 games.
Admitted to the Hall of Fame: November 2007 with 35% of the votes. Typical comment listed by voter during poll: "Zico was the White Pele!"
Roy of the Rovers References:
Internet Links: There are a number of web pages dedicated to Zico. The profile of Zico on the Internet's best and free encyclopaedia. This page also give links to other references to this hall of famer. You Tube tribute -.  set to the song "Jounetsu Tairiku" by Japanese artist  Taro Hakase. This video shows many, many fantastic goals from free kicks, dribbles, long runs, turns and overheads! Real Roy of the Rovers stuff! Zico -  The Plant World Cup tribute to the World Cup Legend. International Hall of Fame - Zico  - A fitting tribute to the talented Playmaker!

Zico, the mercurial Brazilian nicknamed the 'White Pele' because his ability (especially his close control) was of a level to draw comparison with the great man, played for Brazil in the exciting sides of the early 1980's.  He seemed able to combine the roles of centre forward and playmaker to brilliant effect and was the main star of the Brazil team at the 1982 World Cup when they were heralded for their entertaining play before losing out to eventual winners Italy.

Zico scored goals in many different ways throughout his career; from graceful dribbles to acrobatic volleys, long range shots to predatory finishes, individual goals and also after fantastic interaction with his team-mates.  Overall he managed 66 in 88 International games - a prolific tally - and of course he brought so much more to the team with his creativity and role in the goals of others either providing direct assists or instigating moves with great through balls.  He also scored comfortably over a goal every two games during his club career which was spent mainly with Flamengo in Brazil with a 2 year spell playing for Udinese in the Italian Serie A from 1983 and a swansong in Japanese football.  During his second spell with Flamengo after returning from Udinese, he was briefly joined by Socrates, the next most famous and talented player in that era of Brazilian football and in 1987 Flamengo were able to gain a 4th Brazilian Championship (all 4 were won with Zico in the side as were a Copa Libertadores and an Intercontinental Cup).

Zico had graduated to the Flamengo first team in the early 1970's having been a prolific scorer as a youngster and during that decade he became one of the stars of world football.  The 1978 World Cup in Argentina showcased Zico's talents for Brazil and his reputation was enhanced in the 80's, with his enchanting play at the '82 World Cup and as he became second top scorer in Italian football during his first season at Udinese, only behind Michel Platini of Juventus. 

The 1978 World Cup included a famously bizarre moment involving Zico as the Welsh referee Clive Thomas blew the full-time whistle with the ball in mid air, denying the striker a headed winning goal from a corner in the group game against Sweden - more dramatic stuff in the Roy of the Rovers mould although not entirely to Zico's liking on this occasion!  He had to settle for a sole penalty goal against Peru in the tournament, but he added 4 more in 1982.  The 1986 World Cup ended on a sour note for Zico though - the hero of Brazil entering the quarter-final against France as a substitute to the delight of the Brazilian fans - only to have a penalty saved after his typically incisive through ball had led to Branco being fouled.  The game went to a penalty shoot-out in the end and although Zico himself managed to score this time the French won and progressed to the semi-finals.

Zico emulated Roy Race with a foray into management, continuing his affiliation with Japan by managing there and taking charge of the national team.  He was in charge of Japan for the 2006 World Cup when they even played a game against his native Brazil.  His management style was based on encouraging players to express themselves, just as he had done so magically throughout his career.  A deserved member of the Roy of the Rovers Hall of Fame!