Photo: Ricardo Alfieri, Jr. / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Dondinho was credited as an association football player. Dondinho was born in Campos Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil on October 2, 1917. Death is recorded on November 16, 1996, at the age of 79. The listed height was 183 cm.
My Take
Dondinho is one of football's quiet legends, and his story moves me more than many star careers. A tall centre forward nicknamed Maleavel for his heading prowess, he played for clubs like Atletico Mineiro, yet his lasting fame comes from a different role: father, mentor, and trainer to Pele. I find something profound in a man whose own playing dream was cut short pouring that ambition into shaping the greatest player ever. The deepest greatness often hides behind another's spotlight. To me, Dondinho deserves real reverence as the unseen architect at the root of football's most famous story.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Dondinho
- Name (Japanese)
- ドンジーニョ
- Reading
- どんじーにょ
- Born
- October 2, 1917 – November 16, 1996
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Libra / Snake
- Origin
- Campos Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Height
- 183 cm
- Occupation
- association football player
2. Links
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dondinho
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2502098
3. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Dondinho born?
Born October 2, 1917.
When did Dondinho die?
Died November 16, 1996, aged 79.
Where was Dondinho from?
Dondinho was from Campos Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
What did Dondinho do?
Dondinho worked as association football player.
How tall was Dondinho?
Dondinho was 183 cm.
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