When talking about the best number 8s in the Brazilian team, immortal names such as Didi, the Ethiopian Prince, Gerson, the Golden Lefty, Sócrates, the Doctor, immediately come to mind.
Few remember Tostāo, who wore number 8 at Cruzeiro, one of the best Planeta Bola saw, but who really played as a number 10.
When you think about the best number 9 shirts, the one Tostāo wore in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the one for his third championship, what comes to mind is Ronaldo Fenômeno and that’s it.
Tostão, then, was what we today call a false center forward.
The number 10 shirt has an eternal owner, and we don’t talk about it anymore, even if it is rightly said that the 1970 attack was made up of five number 10 shirts: Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostāo, Pelé and Rivellino.
And Tostão, in fact, used the 10 brilliantly in the 1972 Independence Cup, won by Brazil.
But, if he wasn’t the best number 8, 9, or 10, what was he?
Well, he is still the second best Minas Gerais player of all time, a fellow countryman of King Pelé.
This is also why it is called Mineirinho de Ouro.
Not only.
For example: in the classic work by João Máximo and Marcos de Castro, “Giantes do Futebol Brasileiro”, Tostão is cited as one of the 20 best in history.
And it’s still not enough.
With a minimalist style, just as he writes his unmissable columns in this SheetTostāo was a master at getting out of difficult situations with one touch — and he scored goals as if he were riding a bicycle, or sucking on dulce de leche ice cream.
Capable of leaving lovers of refined football in a bad situation, forcing them to commit heresy.
Because there is nothing more impossible than choosing the Brazilian team of all time without committing heresies, as we are often compelled to do.
What are the untouchable positions?
On the left flank, with Nilton Santos; the point guard has Didi; the right wing is by Mané Garrincha, the Joy of the People; and the King.
The rare reader has every right to shout: and Ronaldo Fenômeno as a center forward!
Yes, but what if someone prefers Romário? Or remember Reinaldo, “hey, hey, hey, Reinaldo is our king”? Or Coutinho, believe me?
For those who prefer refinement with magic (yes, long live magic!), brains at their feet, or simplicity over luxury, are capable of mounting their dream attack with Garrincha, Didi, Tostāo, Pelé and Rivellino — the Kid from the Park who to this day occupies the place that Sócrates almost occupied in the gallery of the best Corinthians player.
Yes, not Ronaldo, not Romário, not Reinaldo, not Coutinho: Tostão!
Exaggeration? No!
Why would it be an exaggeration if even the date of his birth is as relevant as the date of the founding of one of the most important metropolises in the world?
Eduardo Gonçalves de Andrade will turn 78 on January 25th, along with 471 in the city of São Paulo, proud to be able to celebrate with him, as well as with Tom Jobim, also a genius.
In fact, Tostāo is to Brazilian football what another deity is to Brazilian music.
Have you ever noticed how Edu Lobo has a certain physical resemblance — and a lot of similarity in terms of personality, both discreetly, in theirs, with Tostāo?
Well, if someone asks your preference between Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil and you answer Tom Jobim, everything will be fine. Edu Lobo, too.
It’s the same with Tostāo.
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