Brazilian ace Da Silva dies aged 90
25/01/2004
Brazilian ace Da Silva dies aged 90 |
LONDON,
Jan 25 (Reuters) - Brazilian soccer ace Leonidas Da Silva, the man credited
with inventing the bicycle kick in the early 1930s, has died at the age of 90
from Alzheimer's disease.
Known
as the "Black Diamond", Da Silva was the 1938 World Cup's top scorer with eight
goals. Brazil finished third in the tournament.
He
also played in the 1934 World Cup. Da Silva, who finally retired in 1950, played
for a number of Brazilian clubs, including Flamengo, Vasco, Sao Paulo and
Botafogo.
He
scored 25 goals in 26 appearances for his country.
The
Brazilian soccer federation said its players at an Olympic qualifying match
against Paraguay later on Sunday would be wearing black arm-bands. The funeral
will be on Monday.
Factbox on Leonidas Da Silva
LONDON,
Jan 25 (Reuters) - Factbox on Brazilian footballer Leonidas Da Silva, who has
died at the age of 90:
* Born
in 1913 in Rio De Janeiro.
*
Known as the "Black Diamond", he is credited with inventing the bicycle kick in
the early 1930s.
*
Scores Brazil's only goal but his side suffer a first round exit in the 1934
World Cup.
* 1938
World Cup topscorer with eight goals from four games as Brazil finish third.
*
Scores 25 goals in 26 appearances for Brazil.
*
Championship winner in Brazil in 1934 with Vasco da Gama, in 1935 with Botafogo
and 1939 with Flamengo.
*
Scored 142 goals in five seasons with Flamengo.
* Also
played for Brazilian clubs Bonsucesso and Sao Paulo and Uruguayan side Penarol.
* Ends
playing career in 1950.