Julinho (footballer, born 1929)


Júlio Botelho, also known as Julinho was a Brazilian football player. He was primarily a right winger. Known for his dribbling ability and powerful shot, Julinho was one of the greatest wingers in football history. He was selected by Eric Batty in the World Soccer Magazine world XI in 1960.

Club career

Julinho was born in São Paulo. During his career, he played for Portuguesa, Fluminense and Palmeiras. In Italy, he was a team member of Fiorentina and was a key member of the squad which won the Italian title in 1956. In 1957, he participated in the club's 1957 European Cup Final, a 2–0 loss to Real Madrid.

International career

Julinho played for Brazil at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland, scoring two goals. He was also a member of the squad that won the 1952 Panamerican Championship, and that finished runners-up in the 1953 South American Championship and the 1964 Taça das Nações. In total, he made 24 international appearances between 1952 and 1965, scoring 11 goals.

Style of play

A highly creative, talented, and dynamic player, with a slender build, Julinho usually played as a right winger, where he operated as a playmaker, and was known for his speed, vision, tactical sense, powerful shooting ability, and dribbling skills, which enabled him to cut into the centre and shoot on goal or create chances for other players. He was also known for his ability to build attacking plays, or get to the touchline and deliver accurate curling crosses to his teammates. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and as one of Brazil's best wingers ever.

After retirement

Julinho was nominated the best player in the history of Fiorentina in 1996. He died at the age of 73.

Honours

Club

;Portuguesa
;Fiorentina
;Palmeiras