Paulo Roberto Falcão

Paulo Roberto Falcão, born on October 16, 1953, is a celebrated Brazilian former footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football. His illustrious career peaked in the 1980s, during which he earned a reputation as one of the best players in the world in his position.

Falcão's legacy is particularly strong at two clubs: Internacional and Roma. He also had a significant stint with São Paulo. His remarkable performances with Roma led to him being affectionately dubbed 'the eighth King of Rome' by fans, a tribute to his impact on the club. In 2013, he was honored with induction into Roma's Hall of Fame, solidifying his status in the club's history.

On the international stage, Falcão represented the Brazil national team thirty-four times from February 1976 to June 1986. He was a key player in the legendary 1982 FIFA World Cup squad, which featured other Brazilian greats like Zico, Sócrates, and Éder. His contributions to the sport were recognized when Pelé named him one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers at a FIFA Awards ceremony in 2004.

Falcão's influence extends beyond his playing days; he has also made a mark as a journalist and football coach. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers, including Colombian forward Radamel Falcao, who was named after him.