Júnior

Leo Junior was a Brazilian midfielder or left back who played for 10 years with Flamengo, winning four Rio championships, a Libertadores Cup, and an Intercontinental before moving to Italy. During this period he earned the nickname “Capacete” (helmet in Portuguese), due to his thick hair.

In June 1984 he was purchased by Torino FC, playing three seasons, with 86 appearances and 12 goals. He then moved to Pescara, playing two seasons with them. Returning to Flamengo, he helped them win the 1990 Brazil Cup, a Carioca Championship in 1991 and a Brasileirão in 1992. In 1991 he made a brief re-appearance with Torino FC disputing the final of the 1991 Mitropa Cup.

Junior earned 74 caps for the Brazilian national team between May 1979 and December 1992, scoring six goals. He appeared in both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He also took part in many Beach Soccer World Championships as part of the Brazilian national team. Overall Junior played for Brazil in beach soccer between 1993 and 2001, notching up 201 goals during those years, including 71 goals at the World Championships. As manager, Junior coached Flamengo from 1993-94 and in 1997.