# Zito

> Brazilian footballer (1932-2015)

**Wikidata**: [Q372092](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q372092)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zito_(footballer,_born_1932))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zito

## Summary
Zito, born José Ely de Miranda, was a Brazilian professional association football player who lived from 1932 to 2015. Active primarily between 1948 and 1967, he is recognized as a key figure in Brazilian football history, standing 179 cm tall and weighing 69 kg during his career.

## Biography
- **Born:** August 8, 1932
- **Nationality:** Brazil
- **Education:** Not specified in source material
- **Known for:** Professional association football career as a player for Santos FC and the Brazilian national team
- **Employer(s):** Santos FC (implied by career context and era), Brazilian National Team
- **Field(s):** Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Zito's primary contribution was his long-standing career as a professional footballer, spanning nearly two decades.
- **Career Span:** He played professionally from 1948 until 1967.
- **Team Affiliation:** He was a central figure for Santos FC during its golden era, contributing to the club's domestic and international dominance.
- **National Team Role:** He represented Brazil in international competitions, including the 1962 FIFA World Cup where Brazil won the championship.
- **Physical Attributes:** He competed at a height of 179.0 cm and a weight of 69.0 kg, utilizing these physical traits in his defensive and midfield roles.
- **Legacy:** His career helped establish Santos FC as a global powerhouse and contributed to Brazil's reputation as a football superpower during the 1950s and 1960s.

## FAQs
**Who was Zito?**
Zito was the common name for José Ely de Miranda, a Brazilian footballer born in 1932 who passed away in 2015. He is best known for his role as a player during the mid-20th century, specifically for his time with Santos FC and the Brazilian national team.

**What were the dates of Zito's professional career?**
His professional work period began in 1948 and concluded in 1967, covering a 19-year span in the sport. This era coincided with the rise of Brazilian football on the global stage.

**What physical statistics are recorded for Zito?**
Records indicate Zito stood at a height of 179.0 cm and had a recorded weight of 69.0 kg during his active playing years. These measurements are standard biographical data points for athletes of his era.

**What is the full name of the footballer known as Zito?**
The footballer known professionally as Zito was born José Ely de Miranda. This full name is used in official records and biographical databases to distinguish him from other individuals with the nickname.

## Why They Matter
Zito matters as a foundational figure in the history of Brazilian football, representing the generation that solidified the nation's status as a world leader in the sport. His career spanned the transition from the early post-war era to the height of the "Jogo Bonito" (Beautiful Game) style, contributing to the tactical and technical evolution of the game in Brazil. As a teammate to legends like Pelé, his presence on the field helped Santos FC achieve unprecedented success, including multiple Copa Libertadores titles and Intercontinental Cups, which elevated the profile of South American football globally. Without players like Zito, the dominance of the Brazilian national team in the 1962 World Cup and the club success of Santos would have been significantly diminished.

## Notable For
- **1962 World Cup Champion:** A key member of the Brazilian squad that won the FIFA World Cup in 1962.
- **Santos FC Legend:** A long-serving player for Santos FC during its most successful period in the 1950s and 1960s.
- **Long Career:** Maintained a professional career for 19 years, from 1948 to 1967.
- **Nickname Recognition:** Widely known globally simply as "Zito," a name that became synonymous with his defensive prowess.
- **Brazilian Football History:** Part of the "Golden Generation" that produced multiple World Cup winners.
- **Physical Profile:** Noted for his specific height (179 cm) and weight (69 kg) which defined his playing style.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
José Ely de Miranda, universally known as Zito, was born on August 8, 1932. He was a citizen of Brazil, a country in South America known for its rich footballing heritage. His life spanned 82 years, ending on June 14, 2015. Throughout his life, he was identified primarily by his occupation as an association football player. His Wikidata identifier is /m/0ff3pg, and he is cataloged under the title "Zito (footballer, born 1932)" in Wikipedia.

### Professional Career and Timeline
Zito's professional journey in football began in 1948. He remained active in the sport until his retirement in 1967, marking a career duration of 19 years. This period coincided with the golden age of Brazilian football, where the national team and clubs like Santos FC dominated international competitions. During his career, he was associated with the entity Q937857 (association football player) and held citizenship in Q155 (Brazil). His career statistics and records are preserved in various databases, including a specific reference to his work period start and end dates.

### Physical Attributes and Statistics
Biographical data records Zito's physical characteristics during his playing days. He stood at a height of 179.0 cm and weighed 69.0 kg. These statistics are crucial for understanding his role on the field, likely as a midfielder or defender where balance and agility were required. His player profile includes a unique identifier (P1469: 63867) and other statistical codes (P2048, P2067) used in sports databases to track his performance metrics.

### Achievements and Legacy
Zito is most notably remembered for his contribution to Brazil's 1962 FIFA World Cup victory. This tournament was a landmark event where Brazil defended its title, cementing the nation's reputation as a football powerhouse. His time at Santos FC allowed him to play alongside Pelé, contributing to the club's success in domestic leagues and international tournaments like the Copa Libertadores. The legacy of his career is documented in historical archives, including a specific document titled "O incansavel capitao" (The tireless captain) hosted by the Museu da Pessoa, highlighting his leadership qualities.

### Post-Career and Death
After retiring from professional football in 1967, Zito lived for nearly five more decades. He passed away on June 14, 2015, at the age of 82. His life story is preserved in digital repositories, with a dedicated image file "Zito en 1962.jpg" capturing him during his peak years. His entry in knowledge bases includes multiple aliases and identifiers, ensuring his historical footprint remains accessible for future research into Brazilian sports history.

### Cultural Context
As a Brazilian footballer, Zito was part of a cultural phenomenon where football is deeply intertwined with national identity. Brazil, the country of his birth, is the largest in South America and has won the World Cup five times. Zito's career contributed to this legacy, helping to popularize the sport globally. His story is one of many that make up the rich tapestry of Brazilian sports history, reflecting the country's passion for the game and its production of world-class talent.

## References

1. Transfermarkt
2. [Source](https://pantheon.world/profile/person/Zito_(footballer))
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. UEFA.com