Roberto Antonio dos Santos was respected in football circles. Agile and skillful, he had all the qualities of a star. However, he never stepped onto a field wearing football boots. His specialty was observing.
Known as Betinho Talentos, he made a career as a scout and player coach on the coast of São Paulo and became famous for the professional discovery of Robinho and Neymar. It was easy for him to identify the talent of boys and hone them.
The coach met Neymar, for example, when he was just 6 years old. The boy played for Tumiaru, a club from São Vicente, in Baixada Santista. Betinho later introduced him to Santos as the successor to Robinho, his first pupil.
“I remember that day clearly. Neymar Sr. was playing a friendly match with friends when, as he was chasing the ball, I couldn’t help but notice a little boy, just six years old, vibrant and full of energy, who stood out in the stands. It was Neymar , the son. He ran from one side to the other, watching the game with a speed and agility that left me amazed. When I saw that boy in action, I thought: ‘This boy has something special'”, he recalled in a post made. on Instagram last October.
Betinho was born in São Vicente in 1958, the same year that Pelé scored 58 goals in the Campeonato Paulista and led Santos to the title, beginning the most winning period in the club’s history.
It was impossible for a boy from Baixada not to grow up enchanted by the sport, says Cláudio Ferreira, a friend of Betinho. “He followed the dream of many. Not with boots on his feet, but he was very involved.”
In recent years, Betinho worked as a sports evaluation technician at the Instituto Neymar Jr. At 67 years old, he was the same as he was at the beginning of his career.
Roberto Antonio dos Santos died on December 7, after suffering a sudden illness at home. He leaves two children.
Santos mourned Betinho’s death and considered him one of the great technical observers and discoverers of talent in Brazilian football.
“Betinho had a direct role in revealing great athletes from Santos FC, being responsible, for example, for attracting Neymar Jr. His story will always be intertwined with that of Santos FC. Thank you for all your dedication and love for football. Our condolences to family and friends,” said the club.
Through his social networks, Neymar also paid tribute.
“You saw me running in the stands and made me run in stadiums around the world. You got me into football, made my parents take me to my first tryout. I’ll always be grateful for that! Take care of us up there. Rest easy In peace, Professor Betinho.”
coluna.obituario@grupofolha.com.br
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