11.10.15

El Tigre e Homem-Borracha


This photograph, taken in September 1938  shows 2 early superstars of Brazilian football.
On the right is Arthur Friedenreich. On the left is Leônidas da Silva.
Fried's career lasted from 1909 to 1925. He was top scorer in the Liga Paulista in 9 seasons. He represented Brazil 23 times, scoring 10 goals. He was a South American Championship winner in 1919 and 1922. He missed out on the 1930 World Cup squad as São Paulo players were overlooked. Friedenreich scored over 1,200 goals in his first class career.
Leônidas began his career in 1929 and played until 1946. His international goal return was 21 goals in 19 matches.
Most of Leônidas' triumphs came after 1937- but he did feature in the 1934 World Cup. During his first 4 years in top football (including a season at Peñarol) his strike rate was greater than a goal a game.