Artur Fridenrayh Football player Date of Birth: 18.07.1892 Country: Brazil

Biography of Arthur Friedenreich

Arthur Friedenreich, born on July 18, 1892, in São Paulo, Brazil, was an outstanding Brazilian football player and one of the greatest forwards of the 20th century. He began his football career playing for various clubs in São Paulo, including Germânia, Ipiranga, Americana, Paysandu, Paulistano, and São Paulo da Floresta. Friedenreich also had a brief stint with Flamengo.

During his career, Friedenreich won numerous titles, including the Copa América in 1919. He was also a champion of the Roca Cup in 1914 and 1922, and won the São Paulo State Championship multiple times. He was known for his goal-scoring ability and won the top scorer title in the São Paulo Championship on multiple occasions.

Friedenreich also represented the Brazilian national team from 1914 to 1940, scoring 8 goals in 17 matches. He was recognized as one of the best football players of the 20th century in South America, ranking 13th to 15th according to the IFFHS.

One of Friedenreich's most famous goals was scored on May 29, 1919, during the Copa América final against Uruguay. This goal, which decided the fate of the championship, was widely celebrated and brought Friedenreich national fame. He was known for his technical skills and was often compared to legendary players like Pelé.

Friedenreich's football career began in the amateur era, where players did not receive official rewards for their performances. However, he gained the support of wealthy sponsors who appreciated his skills and provided financial incentives. In one memorable match, a fan promised Friedenreich a thousand reais for each goal he scored, motivating him to score four goals in total.

Despite the lack of official statistics during his time, Friedenreich's father meticulously recorded his goals throughout his career. According to these records, Friedenreich scored a total of 1,329 goals in official matches, a record that even Pelé could not surpass.

Friedenreich's career spanned a quarter of a century, and he retired at the age of 26. He was known for his agility and technical prowess, which set him apart from his contemporaries. He played a pivotal role in the development of football in Brazil and was instrumental in the country's early successes in international competitions.

Friedenreich passed away on September 6, 1969, in São Paulo, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of Brazil's greatest football players. His contributions to the sport and his remarkable goal-scoring ability will forever be remembered in the history of Brazilian football.