Luis Vinicio Brazilian and Italian football player, coach Date of Birth: 28.02.1932 Country: Brazil

1. Luís Vinício: A Legendary Striker and Coach
2. Early Career in Brazil
3. Italian Success with Napoli
4. Crucial Roles at Bologna and Vicenza
5. Brief Stint at Inter Milan
6. Coaching Career

Luís Vinício: A Legendary Striker and Coach

Born in Brazil and holding dual citizenship with Italy, Luís Vinício (1932-2019) made a name for himself as a prolific striker and a successful coach.

Early Career in Brazil

Luís Vinício began his football career at Botafogo in 1950. Within a year, he secured a starting position and proved his worth, scoring 14 goals in 1953. Despite the team's success in the qualifying tournament, they finished last in the main tournament that year.

Italian Success with Napoli

In 1955, Vinício moved to Italy and joined Napoli, making his debut in September 1955. His skills and leadership qualities quickly endeared him to the fans, earning him the nickname "The Lion of Rio." Over five seasons, Vinício scored 69 goals in 152 matches, including 16 goals or more in each of the first three seasons.

Crucial Roles at Bologna and Vicenza

In 1960, Vinício joined Bologna, where he enjoyed a successful first season. However, the arrival of young Danish striker Harald Nielsen in the second season forced Vinício to move on. He eventually found a home at Vicenza.

At Vicenza, Vinício became the centerpiece of both the attack and the overall team play. He assisted and scored numerous goals, including 18 in 1964, 12 in 1965, and 25 (the league's highest) in 1966.

Brief Stint at Inter Milan

Vinício's performance as a top scorer earned him an invitation to join Inter Milan under Helenio Herrera. However, he played only eight matches for Inter, scoring one goal. As it turned out, Herrera had acquired Vinício out of concern that he might join Juventus or AC Milan.

After a season on the bench, Vinício returned to Vicenza, but his form had declined, and he eventually retired from playing.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Vinício embarked on a successful coaching career. He managed several Italian clubs, including Vicenza, Bologna, Roma, and Napoli. In 1976, he became the first Brazilian coach to win the UEFA Cup with Real Madrid.

Vinício's legacy as a player and coach is marked by his scoring prowess, attacking instincts, and ability to inspire his teams to success.