Reinaldo (footballer, born 1957)


José Reinaldo de Lima is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a striker. He is popularly known as Reinaldo or Rei. Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of Brazilian football, Reinaldo played most of his career for Atlético Mineiro, is considered by many the most important player in the club, and still holds the record of highest goal average per game in the Brazilian league, with 1.55 goals per match in the 1977 Brazilian Championship, at a time when Atlético Mineiro was regarded to have one of the best teams in the world.
Legendary Brazilian midfielder Zico considered him the best player he had ever seen, believing he would have been the greatest Brazilian player after Pelé if not for injuries.

Clubs and years active

Reinaldo played 30 matches and scored 14 goals for the Brazil national team between July 1975 and May 1985, including the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where he scored one goal against Sweden. He also scored the qualifying goal for Brazil's participation in the 1982 FIFA World Cup held in Spain, but was not included on the team, apparently due to injury.

Records and awards

Reinaldo scored a club record of 255 goals for Clube Atlético Mineiro. He also averaged 1.55 goals per match in the 1977 season—scoring 28 goals in 18 matches— the record average for the Brazilian League, for which Atlético supporters nicknamed him The King. He won eight Campeonato Mineiro titles including six consecutively: in 1976, 1978-1983, and 1985.

Subsequent career

Reinaldo is still remembered by Atlético Mineiro supporters. In 2004, he was elected in Belo Horizonte to represent the Partido dos Trabalhadores.

Honours

Atlético Mineiro
Brazil
  • Taça da França: 1981
  • Taça da Inglaterra: 1981
Individual
Record
  • Top scorer with the highest average of goals in a single Brazilian Championship : 1977