Corinthians' cultural department pays tribute to Rivellino | OneFootball

Corinthians’ Cultural Department, led by director Rafael Castilho, paid tribute to Rivellino, the “Little King of the Park,” in honor of his 80th birthday and the 12th anniversary of the unveiling of his bust at Parque São Jorge, which took place on May 24, 2014. The former player, it is worth remembering, was a world champion with the Brazilian National Team in 1970 in Mexico.

At the time his bust was unveiled, “Riva” gave an interview to Corinthians’ official website and spoke about the tribute paid by Timão: “It is very gratifying to receive a tribute while still alive; it is truly very meaningful. I think I was one of the only ones who was born here and became a world champion in these more than 100 years. During my time at Corinthians, I learned to be a Corinthians fan from the heart; I know I did everything I could, within my limitations, for this club, and today I am being immortalized as a way of gratitude for my time here throughout all these years.”

Photo: Reproduction/Corinthians TV

Developed in Corinthians’ youth academy, Rivellino won four titles wearing Timão’s shirt: the Copa Cidade de Turim (1966), Rio-São Paulo Tournament (1966), People’s Tournament (1971), and Laudo Natel Tournament (1973). In addition, he scored 144 goals in 475 matches (467 as a starter), with 239 wins, 136 draws, and 100 losses – a 59.86% success rate.

On his Instagram account, Rafael Castilho commented on the tribute presented to Rivellino: “I had the immense honor and privilege of being welcomed by Roberto Rivellino, in his home, one of the greatest football players of all time on planet Earth. Just imagine how I felt. Rivellino was extremely kind. A simple and generous person. Long live Roberto Rivellino. Go Corinthians!”

Check out Corinthians’ Cultural Department post below from this Saturday:

Little King of Parque São Jorge. Historic star of the Brazilian National Team.

With another World Cup ahead, attention inevitably turns to those who helped build Brazil’s history on football’s biggest stage.

Roberto Rivellino welcomed cultural director Rafael Castilho into his home for a special conversation, marked by tributes in a symbolic year: the idol’s 80th birthday and the 12th anniversary of the unveiling of his bust at Parque São Jorge.

The Cultural Department paid a simple tribute to the man who enchanted generations and helped take the black-and-white club to the world.

Thank you, Rivellino!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.