Cinema and football: Zico stars at film premiere in Brasília | OneFootball

Brazilian football legend attended the premiere preview of ‘Zico: Samurai from Quintino’ in the capital

By: Mônica Alves

“He filled us with pride and joy. His dribbling was pure magic.” The lyrics of the song honoring Arthur Antunes Coimbra reflect the magnitude of the idol who is now also making it to the big screen. The greatest name in the history of Flamengo, the eternal Galinho is the subject of the film ‘Zico: Samurai from Quintino’ and has been traveling across Brazil to promote the production. This Tuesday (24), the star was in Brasília for a special preview screening, closely covered by Coluna do Fla.

The idol arrived in Brasília smiling as always and soon posed for photos on the red carpet at the cinema in Park Shopping, while also greeting fans in the federal capital. During the event, he was joined by Léo Moura, former Flamengo player.

Then, Zico gave a press conference and attended the screening of the film. After the session, he continued charming the audience, posing for photos and signing autographs, showing that even after so many years in his career, he remains tireless and close to the fans.

Léo Moura and Zico, in Brasília – Photo: Mônica Alves/Coluna do Fla

WHEN DOES THE FILM PREMIERE?

The film officially premieres in theaters on April 30 and tells the story of Zico’s journey. At the same time, it also dives into the idol’s private life by bringing rare images from his personal archive, including behind-the-scenes moments and family records. In this way, the production goes beyond his achievements on the pitch and allows the audience to understand the human dimension of the story.

In addition, directed by João Wainer, the documentary combines footage from different periods with testimonies from historic Flamengo names such as Mozer, Adílio, and Andrade. It thus builds a complete portrait of the man behind the number 10 shirt.

SPEAK, ZICO!

Among never-before-seen scenes, ranging from his wedding to behind-the-scenes moments with his family and including details from the notebook where Zico recorded his own goals, the production reveals intimate and little-known moments of the idol. The eternal number 10 even spoke exclusively to Coluna do Fla before the preview screening in Brasília and commented on the experience of showing his journey.

— (In the film) they won’t just watch goals, but the journey of a professional who dedicated himself, who smiled, who cried, who had uncertainties, had certainties, and who believes he left a great legacy for future generations — he said.

Zico on the red carpet at the preview screening – Photo: Coluna do Fla

HOW DID ZICO BECOME A FOOTBALL ‘SAMURAI’ IN BRAZIL AND JAPAN?

After retiring in 1991, the Flamengo idol accepted the challenge of returning to the pitch to boost Kashima Antlers (JPN) and the Japanese professional league, helping structure football in the country and leaving a mark that goes beyond the matches. The impact of his journey inspired the expression ‘Spirit of Zico’, which symbolizes discipline, grit, and dedication—a true ‘samurai’, but from Quintino, in Rio de Janeiro.

Filming for the documentary began in 2023, during the celebration of Zico’s 70th birthday, and continued until 2025, including scenes in Brazil and Japan. Curiously, in the very year the film was completed, Flamengo won its fourth Copa Libertadores, while Kashima lifted its ninth J.League title, reinforcing the idol’s connection with both clubs.

At 73, Zico remains active in football, serving as an ambassador for Flamengo. In addition, the eternal number 10 is an advisor to Kashima Antlers, reinforcing his legacy in both Brazil and Japan.

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