Gérson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gérson, full name Gérson de Oliveira Nunes, (born January 11, 1941 in Niterói) is a Brazilian footballer who played for Brazil in the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cups.

Domestically, Gérson played for Flamengo, Botafogo, São Paulo FC and Fluminense.

Gérson is considered one of the best passers in World Cup history. Although he didn't play well in 1966, he was the mastermind behind the whole Brazilian national team in the 1970 tournament. He is regarded as the best passer and midfielder in that Cup and the best player in the final against Italy. Overall, he played 70 times, scoring 14 goals for his country.

Gérson had his name unfortunately associated with the infamous Gérson's law (lei do Gérson in Portuguese). He starred in a cigarette advertising campaign in the 70's which had a tagline I like to take advantage on everything and became a codeword for the traditional Brazilian disregard for the law. He later repudiated the sentiment.

When Gérson was omitted from Pelé's list of the 125 greatest living footballers, he expressed his anger by tearing up a copy of the list on a Brazilian television programme.

	Brazil squad - 1966 FIFA World Cup
1 Gilmar \| 2 Djalma Santos \| 3 Fidelis \| 4 Bellini \| 5 Brito \| 6 Altair \| 7 Orlando \| 8 Paulo Henrique \| 9 Rildo \| 10 Pelé \| 11 Gérson \| 12 Manga \| 13 Denílson \| 14 Lima \| 15 Zito \| 16 Garrincha \| 17 Jairzinho \| 18 Alcindo \| 19 Silva \| 20 Tostão \| 21 Paraná \| 22 Edu \| Coach: Feola

	Brazil squad - 1970 FIFA World Cup Champions (3rd Title)
1 Félix \| 2 Brito \| 3 Piazza \| 4 Carlos Alberto \| 5 Clodoaldo \| 6 Marco Antônio \| 7 Jairzinho \| 8 Gérson \| 9 Tostão \| 10 Pelé \| 11 Rivelino \| 12 Ado \| 13 Roberto \| 14 Baldocchi \| 15 Fontana \| 16 Everaldo \| 17 Joel \| 18 Paulo César \| 19 Edu \| 20 Dario \| 21 Zé Maria \| 22 Leão \| Coach: Zagallo