Adílio de Oliveira Gonçalves, the greatest number 8 in Gávea's history, was born 58 years ago in Rio de Janeiro. A Flamengo midfielder from 1975 to 1987, the idol is the third-most capped player for the club. In 1975, at the age of 19, he made his professional debut and remained at Gávea until he was 31.

A player of rare skill and creativity, owner of a perfect pass and adept at a classic playing style, he was elected by Placar magazine as the best right-midfielder of the 1977 and 1978 Brazilian Championships. In addition to other titles, Adílio won the 1981 World Cup and Libertadores, the 1980, 1982 and 1983 Brazilian Championships, and the 1978, 1979/Special, 1979/State, 1981 and 1986 Cariocas.

 

Nunes was known as the "Decisive Scorer," but Adílio was no slouch, scoring in six finals in which Flamengo won: against Vasco in the 1981 Campeonato Carioca and the 1982 Taça Guanabara; against Bangu in the 1983 and 1985 Taça Rio; against Fluminense in the 1984 Taça Guanabara; and against Liverpool in the 1981 World Cup, the most important title in Flamengo's history. The victory is remembered fondly by Adílio.

"I remember all that achievement that was achieved by us, by our club. It was a great thing to be part of that group, a magical thing for all of us. It was fate; we were there on the right day and at the right club. If it had been for another team, we wouldn't have won the trophy; it was Flamengo," recalled the birthday boy.

Adílio joined the club as a child and quickly began to shine in futsal. Today, the court where the star took his first steps bears his name.