Ademir da Guia

Ademir da Guia (born 3 April 1942) is a retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder during the 1960s and 1970s for Palmeiras, a leading association football team in Brazil, where he is still regarded as one of the club's all-time best players. Usually a playmaker, he was known for his fantastic close control and passing ability. He was nicknamed O Divino, which means The Divine One, the same nickname given to his father, Domingos da Guia.

Personal life

Da Guia was born in Rio de Janeiro.

Career In the 16 years Ademir da Guia spent playing for Palmeiras, he holds the record for the most appearances for the club and is the third best goalscorer ever, and won, amongst other titles, both the Campeonato Paulista and the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A five times. His lack of playing time was the result of being contemporary of such players as Pelé, Rivellino, Gérson, Tostão, Dirceu Lopes and Paulo César.

Da Guia played his farewell match on 18 September 1977 at Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo in a Campeonato Paulista match between his club Palmeiras and Corinthians, which the latter won 2–0.

Political career He was elected in 2004 for the legislative period of 2005–2008 as councilman for the city of São Paulo as a member of the Communist Party of Brazil, joining the Liberal Party later.

Honours Bangu International Soccer League: 1960

Palmeiras Campeonato Paulista: 1963, 1966, 1972, 1974, 1976 Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 1965 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1967 (TB), 1967 (TRGP), 1969, 1972, 1973 Laudo Natel Tournament: 1972 Copa Libertadores runner-up: 1968

Individual Campeonato Paulista Best Player: 1966 Bola de Prata: 1972 Troféu Arthur Friedenreich Best Midfilder: 1970, 1972, 1974