Paulo Roberto Falcão, a midfielder born in 1953 in Abelardo Luz, Brazil, remains one of the most prominent figures in the history of association football. Over his professional tenure, he transitioned from a domestic powerhouse player in Porto Alegre to an influential presence in the Italian Serie A, where he earned the moniker the eighth King of Rome.
Domestic Success in Brazil
Falcão began his professional football career at Internacional, based in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. During his tenure from 1972 to 1980, he secured three Brazilian National Championships in 1975, 1976, and 1979. His individual performance in the domestic league was highly decorated; he received the Placar Golden Ball award twice, in 1978 and 1979, achieving the highest score in the accolade's history during the latter year. He also helped his team reach the 1980 Copa Libertadores final, where they were defeated by Nacional.
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In 1980, Falcão transferred to the Italian club Roma for a fee of £650,000. His impact was immediate, helping the club secure a Coppa Italia victory during his debut season. Under his leadership, Roma clinched their second league title in history during the 1982–83 season. Throughout his time in Italy, he gained a reputation for both his goal-scoring ability and his tactical role in midfield. However, his relationship with the club deteriorated following a 1984 European Cup final loss to Liverpool, where he declined to participate in the penalty shootout. Following unauthorized knee surgery in New York City, Roma terminated his contract.
International Representation
Between February 1976 and June 1986, Falcão earned 34 caps for the Brazil national team. He famously participated in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, serving as a pivotal playmaker in a formation that included Zico, Sócrates, and Éder. Although he was initially expected to be a substitute, he entered the starting lineup and scored goals against Scotland and New Zealand. Despite his international profile, he was excluded from the 1978 World Cup squad after a dispute with manager Cláudio Coutinho regarding his status on the team.
Final Years and Transition
Upon returning to his home country, Falcão joined São Paulo, where he won the 1985 Campeonato Paulista and the Taça dos Campeões Estaduais Rio – São Paulo. He concluded his professional playing career following the 1986 World Cup. Beyond his active playing days, he has engaged in work as an association football coach and as a journalist. In 2013, he was inducted into the Roma Hall of Fame, and in 2004, Pelé named him one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Abelardo Luz, Brazil
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- Roma Hall of Fame induction: 2013
- National team caps: 34
- International goals: 6
- Professional career: 1972–1986
- Languages: Portuguese, Italian
Questions readers ask
Why was Falcão nicknamed the eighth King of Rome?
He earned the title from Roma fans following his instrumental role in helping the club win their second-ever league title during the 1982–83 season.
Did Falcão play in the 1978 World Cup?
No. Despite being included in the initial 40-player shortlist, he was left out of the final squad by manager Cláudio Coutinho.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player, journalist and association football coach
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