59 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Rivellino
Zaire v Brazil
Germany 1974 | Group 2
Parkstadion, Gelsenkirchen
“Rivellino’s left foot,” replied Pele when asked by FIFA which quality he’d have liked to have from any player he’d ever witnessed.
Zaire must have wished Pele – and not Rivellino – owned the weapon on a summer’s day in North Rhine-Westphalia. Jairzinho knocked the ball back to the Brazil No10, who rocketed it into the back of Kazadi Mwamba’s net.
“His shot was exceptional,” said Tostao. “He had the nickname ‘Patada Atômica’ (Atomic Kick) – it was thunderous. He scored so many goals from outside the box. Brazil has had some incredible shooters – Nelinho, Eder – but Rivellino’s was so ferocious and he placed his shots, they were so precise.”
Rivellino even left enemy nationalities awestruck. No less than Diego Maradona, from Brazil’s arch-rivals Argentina, grew up idolising the man with the unmistakable moustache.
