The protagonist of the stunning free-kick goal against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 1994 World Cup is celebrating another year of life this Thursday (4). Cláudio Ibrahim Vaz Leal, also known as Branco, made a play that secured the Seleção’s spot in the World Cup semifinals and is still vivid in the memory of Brazilians. The former left-back, a four-time world champion, is celebrating his 60th birthday.
The star’s time with the Brazilian National Team also included winning the 1989 Copa America. Branco played 78 matches wearing the yellow jersey, with 50 victories, 16 draws, and only 12 defeats, scoring ten goals.
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Branco began his professional career at Internacional-RS and went on to play for other major Brazilian clubs such as Fluminense-RJ, Grêmio-RS, Corinthians-SP, and Flamengo-RJ. It was at Fluminense where he stood out the most, winning the 1984 Campeonato Brasileiro, and it was also where he ended his career. Additionally, Branco also played for teams in Italy, Portugal, England, and the United States.
With the Brazilian National Team
- Three World Cups: 1986/1990/1994
- Titles: Copa America (1989), World Cup (1994)
- Statistics: 78 matches, 50 victories, 16 draws, 12 defeats
- Goals: 10, including one penalty and four free-kick goals
