Dunga left an indelible mark on the Copa América as both a player and coach. As an iconic midfielder for the Seleção in the 1990s, he won two of the three editions he participated in as a player with Brazil, in 1989 and 1997. His coaching career was equally successful as he led Brazil to the title at his first Copa América in 2007.
As a player, Dunga greatly contributed to Brazil’s victories in 1989 and 1997. During the first edition, he had only been with Fiorentina for one season but was already a key player alongside names like Romário, Bebeto, and Valdo. He played in 6 of the 7 matches and ended a 40-year continental drought for Brazil. In 1997, he even scored his only goal in the competition, from a free kick against Colombia.
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His major achievements
- 95 caps with Brazil between 1987 and 1998 for 6 goals
- 3 World Cups contested (1990, 1994, 1998)
- Copa América champion in 1989 and 1997
- World champion in 1994
- Confederations Cup Champion in 1997
🇧🇷 O volante Dunga, jogou na Seleção Brasileira entre 1987 e 1998.
– Fez 95 jogos (65 vitórias, 23 empates, 7 derrotas) e marcou 6 gols.
– Disputou três Copas do Mundo(1990,1994,1998).
– Conquistou a Copa América(1989,1997), Copa do Mundo(1994) e a Copa das Confederações(1997).… pic.twitter.com/xzGmQCYUX0— Futebol Nostálgico! (@futnostalgico) June 17, 2024
His international career as a defensive midfielder also highlighted a world title in 1994. Appointed captain, he converted the decisive penalty against Italy. His performances in the yellow-green jersey will be remembered.
Converted into a coach, Dunga achieved the same feat of lifting the Copa América in his first attempt in 2007. Despite a delicate start, Brazil rallied to triumph over Chile, Uruguay and finally Argentina in final. Dunga became the fourth man to win the Copa as a player and manager.
