Zito

José Ely de Miranda (8 August 1932 – 14 June 2015), commonly known as Zito, was a Brazilian footballer who played as a midfielder. He is regarded as one of the biggest idols of Santos FC, the club he represented for 15 years, captaining a side including Pelé to domestic and international successes. He was also part of the Brazilian squads which won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962.

After his retirement as a player, Zito remained at Santos as a director and youth coordinator, developing several young future international players.

Early life Born in Roseira, São Paulo, Zito initially intended to become a schoolteacher, and attended technical schools in his hometown, before pursuing a career as a footballer.

Playing career Zito joined Santos in 1952, after finishing his formation at hometown amateur club Roseira FC, and spending two years at Taubaté. He made his debut for Peixe on 29 June 1952 in a 3–1 friendly win against Madureira.

Zito appeared regularly for Santos in the following 15 years, playing 733 games and scoring 57 goals. He was the captain of the Os Santásticos team of the late 1950s and 1960s, playing alongside Pelé, Pepe and other Brazilian stars.

Zito was nicknamed Gerente (manager in Portuguese) by the media during his playing days, due to helping the manager Lula while outfields. Despite missing the two last games of 1963 Intercontinental Cup due to an injury, he acted as Lula's assistant during both matches as his team won the second title in a row. In the 1962 edition in Chile, he was named in the Team of the Tournament.

Style of play Considered a strong midfielder, and known for his leadership, Zito usually played in a supporting role as a wing-half or half-back, serving as a defensive foil to his more offensive-minded teammates. An intelligent and highly organised player, he was known for his ability to win back possession with his tackling, and subsequently set the tempo in midfield through his movement off the ball and precise passing; although he was competent in possession, he preferred to play the ball to other more creative and skilful midfielders rather than carry it forward himself. He was also capable of starting attacking plays after winning the ball by quickly distributing the ball forward with simple, yet neat and efficient passes.

Life after football

After retiring Zito was a vice-president at Santos between 1978 and 1982. After one year away from the club, he was named director of football by president Milton Teixeira, but left the post in 1987. In 2000, he was named a youth coordinate, helping the club to promote youngsters Robinho and Diego to the first team.

Zito was credited with bringing 11-year-old Neymar to the club in 2003. Following a stroke the year before, Zito died on 14 June 2015 aged 82 in Santos, São Paulo.

Honours Santos' Campeonato Paulista: 1955, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965,1967 Torneio Rio-São Paulo: 1959, 1963, 1964, 1966 Taça Brasil: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965 Copa Libertadores: 1962, 1963 Intercontinental Cup: 1962, 1963

Brazil World Soccer World XI: 1962