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Francisco AvanziFormer Brazilian footballer, attacking midfielder
Date of Birth: 30.01.1949
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Early Life and Football Beginnings
- Joining XV de Novembro:
- Professional Career
- Return to XV de Novembro and Transfers:
- Joining São Paulo:
- First Title and National Team Debut:
- Controversial Incident and Return to Action:
- 1977 Brazilian Championship
- 1978 World Cup:
- Later Career
- Transfer to Santos and Retirement:
- Post-Career and Legacy
- Return to Coaching and Death:
- Tributes and Memorials:
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Childhood and Factory Work:Shikao was born into a poor family and started working as a lathe operator in a mechanical workshop at a young age, a job that brought him little satisfaction. However, his passion for football persisted as he played with the children of factory employees who formed an amateur team.
Joining XV de Novembro:
Shikao's talent was noticed by scouts from his hometown team XV de Novembro, where he joined and won several youth tournaments. In 1968, he was promoted to the first team but struggled to break into the starting lineup.
Professional Career
Loan to União Agrícola Barbarense:Unable to secure a regular spot at XV de Novembro, Shikao was loaned to União Agrícola Barbarense, where he became a key player in the main squad.
Return to XV de Novembro and Transfers:
Upon returning to XV de Novembro, Shikao again failed to establish himself and was subsequently transferred to São Bento and Ponte Preta. However, at Ponte Preta, he was reunited with coach Siliño, who once more excluded him from the starting eleven.
Joining São Paulo:
On August 28, 1973, Shikao signed with São Paulo and reached the Copa Libertadores final a year later, which they unfortunately lost to Independiente of Argentina.
First Title and National Team Debut:
In 1975, Shikao won his first title, the Campeonato Paulista, and was called up to the Brazilian national team. He made his debut against Uruguay and played in four consecutive matches before an injury in a game against Argentina.
Controversial Incident and Return to Action:
In a controversial incident in 1976, Shikao received a yellow card before the start of a game after calling the referee "shit." Despite the injury, he returned to action less than a month later.
1977 Brazilian Championship
Shikao played a pivotal role in São Paulo's first-ever Brazilian Championship title in 1977. He was named man of the match in the decisive game against Atlético Mineiro but was accused of injuring an opponent by stepping on his foot.
1978 World Cup:
Shikao was selected for the Brazilian team at the 1978 World Cup, where he played in three matches, including the crucial clash against Argentina. He effectively contained Argentine midfielder Osvaldo Ardiles, earning him the nickname "Matador" in the Argentine press.
Later Career
Transfer to Atlético Mineiro:In late 1979, Shikao left São Paulo and joined Atlético Mineiro. Despite initial hostility from fans due to his past incident, he won them over with his performances and his connection with previously injured Angelo. With Atlético, he claimed his last title, the Campeonato Mineiro.
Transfer to Santos and Retirement:
In 1981, Shikao and Palyinha were purchased by Santos for a hefty sum. The signing of two veteran players drew criticism from the press. Shikao subsequently played for several other clubs before retiring at age 37 due to a meniscus injury and subsequent surgery, his fourth career operation.
Post-Career and Legacy
Coaching Attempts and Sports Store:After retiring as a player, Shikao briefly attempted to return to football as a coach but was unsuccessful. He later operated a sports goods store for six years.
Return to Coaching and Death:
In 2001, Shikao coached newly formed club Atlético Montenegro, who won promotion to the São Paulo State Championship second division. On October 8, 2008, he passed away from esophageal cancer.
Tributes and Memorials:
São Paulo declared a period of mourning and organized a memorial match between the São Paulo state team and Nautico Recife. Additionally, the club's third store was opened in memory of Shikao.
