Zizinho
From an early age, Zizinho's dream was to become a football player at America FC. However, this dream was shattered when Zizinho was told after a trial training that he had not been hired by his childhood sweetheart. The coaching staff was not convinced because he was of small build. Zizinho then took his chances at Flamengo, where he was allowed to play a test match against the main squad. Ten minutes before the end, he replaced the injured Leônidas da Silva and then scored two goals. Trainer Flávio Costa would have said afterwards: "Get your hair cut and come back tomorrow". At Flamengo, Zizinho went on to become one of the best players in the history of Brazilian football. Under the leadership of the star player, Flamengo seized the Campeonato Carioca in 1942, 1943 and 1944. After ten seasons, during which Zizinho had become Brazil's best player, he left Flamengo after being sold to Bangu without his knowledge. Bangu had left a small fortune for Zizinho. The story goes that the brand new purchase signed his new contract without reading it. He is said to have said to club president: if you are willing to pay that much for me, then you must appreciate my game." In the first game against his former employer, Zizinho got his sporting revenge by scoring two goals in the 6-0 win over Flamengo Zizinho also left his mark on the game in his seven years under contract with Bangu. At the age of 35, Zizinho moved to São Paulo, where he helped the club move to the Campeonato Paulista during his final season. With this he endeared himself to football fans from the two largest cities in Brazil. In 1962, Zizinho ended his career with Chilean Audax Italiano at the age of 40.