Revealed in the red-black youth academy, along with the famous and promising crop that won the Copa São Paulo de Juniores in 1990, midfielder Marquinhos celebrates his 42nd birthday this Thursday (02.10). The former athlete played in 339 matches wearing the Manto Sagrado, scoring 27 goals.

Marquinhos made his professional debut at the tender age of 17, replacing Luis Antônio and demonstrating his full potential. By the age of 18, in 1989, he was already a regular fixture in the squad, even replacing Zico in some matches. A year later, the former Flamengo midfielder returned to the youth team for a noble cause. Flamengo needed all of the star's skill in a team that would compete in the Copa São Paulo de Juniores. After this unprecedented victory, Marquinhos returned to the senior team, where he established himself firmly in the Flamengo midfield until 1995, when he left the club.

The former athlete won eight titles with Flamengo, all of them of great importance. Marquinhos helped bring to Gávea the Copa do Brasil (1990), the Copa São Paulo de Juniores (1990), the Campeonato Carioca (1991), the Taça Guanabara (1989, 1995), the Taça Rio (1991), the Kuala Lumpur Tournament (1994) and the Campeonato Brasileiro (1992).

At the 4th Embassies Meeting, in 2013, Marquinhos was honored and received an official personalized Flamengo shirt (photo).