The only player in Flamengo's history to play in more than one World Cup as a member of the club, playing for the Brazilian national team in the 1978, 1982, and 1986 World Cups, Zico was one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football. Besides being the biggest idol of the Rubro-Negra Nation, "Galinho" was admired and idolized at every club he played for. In June 1983, at the age of 30, Zico went to play for Udinese in Italy, remaining there until mid-1985, when he returned to Flamengo. "Galinho" ended his professional career in 1989, at the age of 36, due to a knee injury he suffered in 1985 in a match against Bangu. But the number 10 would return to the field, achieving one of his greatest achievements. In 1991, Zico joined Kashima Antlers in Japan, when the club was still called Sumitomo. He became the main person responsible for the professionalization of Japanese football, which had been amateur until the 1980s and is still idolized by the Japanese today.

It was in Japan that the Twitter campaign to congratulate Zico, who turns 61 this Monday (March 03.03), began. Since noon on Sunday (March 02.03), when it was midnight on the 03rd in Tokyo, the eternal number 10 of Gávea has been receiving congratulations from his admirers on Twitter, while fans receive an autographed photograph of their idol with a personal dedication. Anyone who wants to participate in the campaign or collect more photos just needs to send a message on Twitter, mentioning #ParabensZico. Fans can also follow the celebration online through the website www.flamengo.com.br/parabenszico.

In addition to the titles won by his clubs, the number 10 won numerous individual awards. He won the Golden Ball from PLACAR magazine as the best player in the 1974 and 1982 Brazilian Championships, and the Silver Ball from the same magazine for being one of the best midfielders in the 1975, 1977, and 1987 Brazilian Championships. He was also voted the best South American player three times by the Uruguayan newspaper El País, in 1977, 1981, and 1982, each time as a Flamengo player; in 1976 and 1980, he finished second in the election. Along with Chilean Figueroa and Argentine Tévez, he is one of three players to have won the award the most times, which began in 1971. 

According to FIFA, Zico was one of the three best Brazilian football players of the 20th century, alongside Pelé and Garrincha. The organization also included Zico in the South American Football Team of the 20th Century, alongside Fillol (ARG), Carlos Alberto Torres (BRA), Figueroa (CHI), Passarella (ARG), Nílton Santos (BRA), Di Stéfano (ARG), Maradona (ARG), Garrincha (BRA), Pelé (BRA), and Rivelino (BRA).