Overview

Roberto Rivellino (born 1 January 1946) is a retired Brazilian footballer and current television pundit known for his role in Brazil's 1970 FIFA World Cup winning side. Of Italian descent, Rivellino became one of the most admired midfielders of his generation for a blend of technique, powerful shooting and inventiveness on the ball. After retiring from play he has continued to contribute to the sport as a commentator and public figure in Brazil.

Playing style and signature moves

Rivellino was a left-footed attacking midfielder and playmaker who combined vision with extraordinary shooting ability. His strengths included hard, precise shots from distance, curling and dipping free kicks, and accurate long passes. He was equally valued for close control and sudden changes of direction; the best known of his tricks is the elastico (also called the flip-flap), a deceptive flick that sends the ball one way before snapping it the other. That move has been widely copied by later players and often cited in discussions of dribbling technique.

  • Technical traits: first touch, dribbling, balance.
  • Shooting: powerful strikes and long-range free kicks.
  • Creativity: set-piece invention and unpredictable dribbles.

Club career

Rivellino's domestic career was most notable at two major Brazilian clubs. He first emerged as a star with Corinthians, where his performances made him a fan favorite and one of the club's greatest-ever players. Later he starred for Fluminense, where his influence on the field helped the team secure important domestic successes. He also had a brief spell abroad before retiring and later returned to Portugal in various ambassador and media roles. For contemporary profiles and statistics see player profiles and historical summaries at archival pages.

International career and 1970 World Cup

As a member of Brazil's national team, Rivellino was a key component of the celebrated squad that won the 1970 World Cup. His role combined creative midfield play with a capacity to contribute goals from distance. The 1970 team is often remembered for its attacking fluidity and the balance between creative midfielders and finishing forwards; Rivellino's technique and set-piece expertise were important parts of that balance. For match reports and tournament commentary consult sources such as historical analyses and expert roundups at tactical reviews.

Legacy and recognition

Rivellino is widely regarded among the great Brazilian midfielders of the 20th century. He is frequently mentioned in lists that rank Brazil's top players and is celebrated by supporters of the clubs he represented. His elastico influenced subsequent generations; famous later exponents have acknowledged or been compared to his style. In Brazil he remains a popular public figure and commentator, and many pundits consider him among the best players in the histories of Corinthians and Fluminense. Contemporary reflections and tributes can be found at tribute pages and retrospective collections at football archives.

Notable facts

  1. Often spelled or referred to by slight variants of his surname in different sources; he is widely known by the single-name Rivellino in football circles.
  2. Credited with popularizing the elastico, a skill later used and adapted by high-profile players worldwide.
  3. After retirement he worked in broadcast media and remained active in promotional and charitable football events.

Rivellino's combination of elegance, inventive technique and a powerful left foot ensures his place in football history; for further reading and multimedia material see dedicated pages and documentaries at additional resources.