Revisit the journey of Índio, the first Paraíba native to play at a World Cup

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·9 June 2026

Revisit the journey of Índio, the first Paraíba native to play at a World Cup

Índio, from Cabedelo in Paraíba, was the first Paraíba-born footballer to play at a World Cup, starting for Brazil in 1954.

According to Globo.com, Aluízio Francisco da Luz, known as Índio, featured at the tournament in Switzerland.

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He started the quarter-final later dubbed the Battle of Berna, where Brazil lost 4-2 to Hungary after extra time, ending hopes of a maiden title.

Four years later he was in contention for 1958, but a little finger injury days before Vicente Feola named his squad cost him his place. Pelé was called up instead.

Índio remained prolific at Flamengo, scoring 144 goals and winning the Campeonato Carioca in 1953, 1954 and 1955. He ranks 11th on the club’s all-time list.

He also impressed at Corinthians, hitting 52 goals between 1957 and 1959.

Índio died in 2020.

Source: Globo.com