Júlio Botelho

Júlio Botelho, also known as Julinho (; 29 July 1929 – 10 January 2003) was a Brazilian football player. He was primarily a right winger. Known for his dribbling ability and powerful shot, Julinho is regarded as one of the greatest wingers in football history. He was selected by Eric Batty in the World Soccer Magazine world XI in 1960.

Club career Julinho was born in São Paulo. During his career (1951–1967), he played for Portuguesa, Fluminense and Palmeiras. In Italy, he was a team member of Fiorentina and was a key member of the squad which won the Italian title in 1956. In 1957, he participated in the club's 1957 European Cup Final, a 2–0 loss to Real Madrid.

International career Julinho played for Brazil at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland, scoring two goals. He was also a member of the squad that won the 1952 Panamerican Championship, and that finished runners-up in the 1953 South American Championship and the 1964 Taça das Nações. In total, he made 24 international appearances between 1952 and 1965, scoring 11 goals.

Style of play Julinho mostly operated on the wings as a right winger and playmaker. A player who was fast, visionary, and skillful at dribbling, Julinho would cut into the middle to shoot or crosses the ball curling in from the flank to assist in goal-scoring chances. Sports writers and football historians rate him as one of the best wingers in Brazil.

After retirement Julinho was nominated the best player in the history of Fiorentina in 1996.

Death He died at the age of 73 on 10 January 2003.

Honours

Club Portuguesa Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 1952, 1955

Fiorentina Serie A: 1955–56 European Cup: Runner-up 1956–57

Palmeiras Campeonato Paulista: 1959, 1963 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1960 Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 1965 Copa Libertadores: Runner-up 1961

Brazil Panamerican Championship: 1952 Copa América runner-up: 1953 Roca Cup: 1960 Taça das Nações runner-up: 1964

Individual Torneio Rio-São Paulo Team of the Tournament: 1955 Serie A Team of The Year: 1957 World Soccer Magazine World XI: 1960 Inducted in ACF Fiorentina Hall of Fame IFFHS Brazil All Times Dream Team (Team C): 2021