Leandro

Leandro was born on March 17, 1959 in Cabo Frio, Brazil. Joining Flamengo's youth teams in 1976, he played there until 1978 before joining the first team. In love with his club, he spent his entire career there until 1990. A talented right-back, he was a technical player and very comfortable offensively.

Part of and a major figure in the famous Flamengo of the 80s. Liking to project himself forward, he was as effective in attack as in defense. He won many trophies during the 80s, including the 1981 Copa Libertadores and the 1981 Intercontinental Cup.

However, his career would be greatly disrupted in 1985, at the age of 26, the player suffered a series of knee injuries that forced him to play more in the center of defense as a central defender, the player losing explosiveness. In this new position, he won the Brazilian championship one last time in 1987.

In 1990 he ended his career at only 31 years old, after more than 400 games played for Flamengo with more than 200 wins and nearly 100 draws, for less than 100 losses, really good statistics. Very versatile, he also knew how to play right winger when necessary.

His career could have been so much better without the injuries, in fact, the player was considered the greatest right-back in the history of Brazil by some coaches, players and sports critics. A Brazilian international since 1981, he shone at the 1982 World Cup where he was an undisputed starter.

He then participated in the 1983 Copa America where he reached the final, once again being a starter. Then after his injury in 1985, he was called up on a few occasions by Telê Santana as a central defender. But in solidarity with Renato Gaúcho, he refused to participate in the 1986 World Cup after sneaking out to party during a Seleçao gathering.

His career was marked by physical problems and injuries, particularly to the knee, the right one having arthroscopy and the left one having tendinitis. And he never played for his country again after 1986.

- Bola de Prata in 1982 and 1985

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