Google is celebrating the 100th birthday of the legendary striker Leônidas da Silva, who is regarded as the inventor of the ‘bicycle kick’ and is held up as one of the most important players in the first half of the 20th century.
The Google doodle recalls da Silva’s trademark ‘bicicleta’, the acrobatic technique first used by Leônidas – also known as ‘Rubber Man’, due to his dexterious elasticity, and ‘Black Diamond’ – on 24 April 1932, in a match between his club side, Bonsucesso, and Carioca.
While playing for São Paulo he famously used the move on 13 November 1948, in a huge 8–0 victory over Juventus. The volley shocked the referee, who was unsure whether it was within the rules or not.
The unique move made the Brazilian, who passed away in January 2004, the country’s first major superstar. The centre forward played at two World Cups for the Seleção, and in 1938 helped them to third place in France by netting seven goals – the most in the tournament. In all he scored 21 goals in 19 international appearances.
After he hung up his boots he became a commentator, but it was his achievements on the pitch which history remembers most.
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