São Paulo pay tribute to Roberto Dias, a club legend | OneFootball

On Wednesday, São Paulo remembered the 83rd anniversary of the birth of Roberto Dias, one of the greatest idols in the club’s history. The former defender played for the club between 1960 and 1973, during which time he played 525 matches—the fourth highest number in the club’s history—scored 80 goals, and won the 1970 Campeonato Paulista.

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“Eighty-three years ago, Roberto Dias, a tricolor idol, was born. The defender played for Tricolor from 1960 to 1973, making 525 appearances—the fourth highest in our history—scoring 80 goals, and winning the 1970 Paulista. Roberto Dias left us in 2007, but he will forever be in the tricolor’s memory,” highlighted the São Paulo team.

The Career

Son of a former player, Dias joined São Paulo at the age of 16 and quickly stood out for his refined technique and leadership on the field. He was called up to the Brazilian National Team for the Rome Olympic Games in 1960 and became a reference point during a difficult decade for the club, marked by the construction of Morumbi Stadium and a scarcity of titles. Pelé even considered him the best defender he ever faced.

In 1970, he took part in the campaign that ended the club’s title drought with the Paulista championship. However, a heart attack at the end of that year limited his football career. After leaving Tricolor, he played in Mexico and later returned to the club to work with young athletes.

Roberto Dias passed away in 2007, but his legacy lives on. Since 2008, São Paulo’s Sports Guidance Center has borne his name, in tribute to a player who marked an era with his technical quality and dedication to the club.

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