Jacinto João

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Jacinto João, also known as J. J. (January 25, 1944, Luanda – October 29, 2004, Setúbal) was one of the greatest Portuguese football (soccer) players of his time. Fast attack/midfield winger, playing on the left side of the pitch, J.J. enchanted the crowds in Portugal with its fantastic play.

Portugal had then so many great attack players, that Jacinto João just had 10 caps for the Portuguese national team, with two goals scored. His debut was at 27 October 1968, in a 3-0 win over Romania, for the World Cup qualifyings, were he went to substitute António Simões, and did a goal. He missed the team that played at the Independence Brazil Cup, in 1972. His last game for Portuguese national team, was at 3 April 1974, in a 0-0 tie with England, in Lisbon, in a friendly match. He played 14 seasons in Vitória de Setúbal, scoring 66 goals in 268 games. The best result of his career was the 2nd place at the National Championship, in 1971/72. He was one of the few great Portuguese football players of his generation, that never played for Benfica, Sporting Lisbon or Porto. After retiring from activity he remained working in his club's Technical Staff until the last day of his life, terminated by a fourth and fatal heart attack.

Vitória de Setúbal is going to erect a statue in his homage. President Rui Chumbita Nunes revealed sadly that an homage to J.J. was planned at November 20th on the commemoration of the club's 94th anniversary. The Municipality of Setúbal will baptize a street with his name and award the City's Medal of Honour at posthumous title.

Jacinto João's birthday was the same of his contemporary football legend Eusébio - January 25th..