For a third consecutive week we stay in Brazil (not a bad place to stay) as we continue our World Cup legends series.

This week, the man that inspired the rebellious nature in Diego Maradona. The man that helped one of the greatest become the greatest with his artistry and power on the pitch.

Roberto Rivelino also was one of the first football players to really make an impact crossing over from Futsal court to the grass pitch. He took the baton from Garrincha and took it to the next level. He also added a feature to the Brazilian game that very few had seen before- a potent freekick. His way of attacking the ball completely changed the way the way the football world saw freekicks. He was one to really break that mold and evolve and made Jogo Bonito not just street rough and technically pleasing to the eye; he made it elegant.

Rivelino had one of the most potent shots ever seen to that date.  Many claimed that he would tear up the ball.  He hit the ball so hard, they named his Patada Atomica (Atomic Kick).  One can only imagine what he would do with today's balls.  The older balls would move in ways that no one imagined those heavier balls being able to move.   He was just not only power.  He was accuracy in freekicks and penalties, making that much more feared.

He was the inventor of the Elastico and was a player that was ahead of his time. Arguably one of the top ten greatest player in the history of the game.

Rivelino was born in São Paulo on January 1st, 1946 and his youth was a rather normal one.  He would be disappointed in his short stint at Palmeiras but would be given a shot at Corinthians.  At O Timão he would become an absolute star although he would not win any titles of significance during his time at the Pacaembu.  Despite that shortcoming he would become the most famous player to have ever played at the Parque São Jorge.  He would become known as O Rei Do Parque, the "King of the Park".

His success with Corinthians was so great, that he earned a spot with the Brazilian national team at the tender age of 19.  He would not make up the 1966 side at the World Cup, but his name was part of the future of Brazilian football, and there was no doubt that he was going to take the place of a group like Vava and Garrincha that would no longer be there come Mexico '70.

For Rivelino, 1970 was his breakout year where he showed his stuff alongside Tostão, Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho, and Pelé and would be part of one of the greatest teams ever assembled as the Canarinha   became the first team to ever win the World Cup three times.

"Rivelino was everything I wanted to be as a footballer. I saw Pelé go one way and Rivelino the other... and I'd follow Rivelino.   Because he was a lefty.  Because he was elegant.  Because he was a rebel.  Because Rivelino embodied everything that I wanted to be as a footballer." - Diego Maradona.

At the club level, he would see his greatest success at Fluminense.  He was the heart and soul of the Maquina Tricolor that dominated in Rio during the mid-70's.   Flu won three straight titles and were established a dynasty that to this day remains part of club lore.

Rivelino would become the big star of the national team come 1974 as Pelé retired from the national team and he would take the mantle from him. 

He would remain at Corinthians for four seasons, but he would make a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal after the 1978 World Cup, where Brazil ended up in third place behind the Dutch and host nation Argentina. He would play in the Middle East for two more seasons and after that he would retire.

As a player, Rivelino would be among the most respected footballers ever to step onto the pitch. He was recognized as one of the four greatest Brazilian players ever; behind Pelé, Zico, and Garrincha. 

He was also considered among the 100 greatest players of the XXI century.

Roberto Rivelino was definitely a Rebel with a Cause.  His style of play opened the eyes of future generations of players... players like Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, among others.  

Next week... Uruguayan legend Ladislao Masurkewicz.