The dictionary defines a protagonist as the most important character in classical Greek theater, around whom the plot is built. At the red-and-black event this Wednesday, the stage was filled with stars. The goal was scored by Pedro; the decisive penalty by Rodinei. But in the red-and-black constellation, it's difficult to single out just one protagonist—and among them, there's a silent hero. 

Everton Ribeiro is one of the greats. Among the extra-class players, there's one type of player who stands out from the rest for one unique quality: being a winner. And no one has won more than Miteiro here in the last decade. The owner of the number seven jersey has won, won, and won. He's won six state championships, four Brazilian Championships, two Super Cups, a Libertadores, a Recopa, and now, the Copa do Brasil. Have you lost count? 

There's not enough room in the already crowded gallery of trophies and decorations for the short man, and the ball artist never needed the spotlight to impact the game. ER7 is fantastic individually while also playing for the team. He floats on the wing and drops into the middle. It's a good chance your favorite goal started with a tackle from him in midfield or came from one of his signature passes. In 2019, the midfielder created the most chances this season. And he was Flamengo's third-most ball-winner. 

I like to think that Everton Ribeiro represents a different Flamengo. There are fans who identify with Gabigol's mockery, Arrascaeta's extroversion, Pedro's faith... Everton is the hero of those who work in silence. Lucky for us, we can enjoy more than 42 million different Flamengos.

And his family? Very red-and-black. His children are our lucky charms and captive members of the nation. Everton made Flamengo his home, and Flamengo his home. He steps onto the sacred ground of Maracanã with the utmost respect and plays fantastic football.

The star also knows how to be decisive: he became the first player to have a direct involvement in a goal in all four semifinal matches of the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores in the same year. An assist against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium, a goal against Vélez in Argentina, and an assist against Vélez and São Paulo at Maracanã Stadium, in that order.

Ribeiro is one of those who pass through a club and leave an everlasting impact. When I was little, my father used to say, "Son, in my time, when Carpegiani wasn't playing, Flamengo was feeling it." Perhaps Everton Ribeiro is the closest my generation has come to this. A team thermometer. A silent hero, full of football and little selfishness; and above all: a champion.