Fio Maravilha

João Batista de Sales, better known as Fio Maravilha, is a former Brazilian football player. In Brazil he played for Flamengo, Paysandu Sport Club, CEUB, Desportiva and São Cristóvão. Later he moved to the United States, where he played for the New York Eagles, the Montebello Panthers, and the San Francisco Mercury.

Biography

He is perhaps most famous for the hit single "Fio Maravilha" that was written about him in 1972 by Jorge Ben. The musician attended a friendly game between Flamengo and Benfica at Maracanã. Fio was left out of Flamengo's starting lineup by coach Mário Zagallo, but after a chorus of fans demanded that he play, he was brought in as a substitute. After 33 minutes in the second half he scored the goal that was immortalized in the song:
As the result of a legal dispute between Jorge Ben and Fio, the title of the song was later changed to Filho Maravilha. In 2007, Fio gave to the musician the permission to use his name Fio in the song.
Fio Maravilha lives in San Francisco, where he worked as a pizza deliverer. He now coaches youth soccer.