Edu Coimbra

1.1. Family and childhood

Eduardo Antunes Coimbra was born on February 5, 1947, into a lower-middle-class family in the suburbs of Quintino, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was one of six children, and the family had a strong connection to football. His father was a goalkeeper, and all four of his brothers also became professional footballers. Among them, his youngest brother, Arthur Antunes Coimbra, universally known as Zico, would achieve legendary status in global football.

1.2. Early club career

Edu began his football journey within the youth development system of America Football Club. He quickly ascended through the ranks and made his professional debut with the club. He remained with America FC for eight years, from 1966 to 1974, playing in 395 matches and scoring 267 goals. This impressive goal-scoring record made him a legendary figure and the second-highest scorer in the club's history, solidifying his foundational years in Brazilian football.

2.1. Club career highlights

After his highly successful tenure at America Football Club, Edu moved to Vasco da Gama in 1975, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess. Later the same year, he joined Bahia and then Flamengo, playing alongside his brother Zico for a brief period in 1976. His club career also saw him play for Colorado EC (1976-1977), Joinville EC (1978), Brasília FC (1979), and Campo Grande AC (1980-1981) before his retirement from playing in 1981.

2.2. National team career

Edu represented the Brazil national football team from 1967 to 1974, earning two international caps. His debut for the national team was in 1967. He participated in tournaments such as the Copa Rio Branco in 1967, which Brazil won. Despite his talent, he notably missed out on participating in the 1970 FIFA World Cup due to the presence of other esteemed players like Pelé and Roberto Rivellino. He also missed the 1974 FIFA World Cup after suffering an injury just before the tournament.

2.3. Playing style and achievements

Edu played primarily as an attacking midfielder or occasionally as a forward. He was widely recognized for his exceptional dribbling abilities and his potent goal-scoring instinct, making him one of the most talented dribblers of the 1970s. His individual achievements reflect his impact on the field. In 1969, he was the top scorer in the Torneio Roberto Gomes Pedrosa, a prestigious Brazilian national club tournament, and was also recognized as the South American best player in the same year.

3.1. Transition to management

Edu retired from his playing career in 1981. His deep understanding of the game and his leadership qualities made a move into coaching a natural progression. He began his managerial journey almost immediately after hanging up his boots, bringing his extensive experience as a player to the dugout.

3.2. Club management roles

Edu's club management career saw him take charge of numerous teams, often returning to familiar grounds. He managed his beloved America FC in 1982 and again in 1992. His first spell with Vasco da Gama as manager was from 1984 to 1985. He also coached Joinville EC (1987), Criciúma EC (1987), Barcelona SC (Ecuador, 1988), and Botafogo FR (1990).

One of his significant achievements at the club level came in 1989 when he led Coritiba FC to win the Paraná State Championship. During his time there, he notably utilized Kazuyoshi Miura as one of the key players. Edu also managed Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz in Mexico (1991), Sport Boys in Peru (1992), Clube do Remo (1992), and Fluminense FC (1993).

Internationally, he had a notable stint as manager of Kashima Antlers in Japan from 1994 to 1995. After his managerial role, he also spent time working at Kashima Antlers soccer school (1996-1997) and JSCC Sagamihara School (1998-1999) and CFE Mie (2000-2002) in Japan, focusing on youth development.

3.3. National team management roles

Edu's impact extended to the international stage, where he managed national teams. From 1983 to 1984, he served as the manager of the Brazil national football team. His most historic international achievement came in 1986 when he led the Iraq national football team to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in Mexico, a remarkable feat for the nation.

3.4. Assistant and technical advisory roles

Beyond head coaching, Edu Coimbra frequently lent his expertise in various support roles, often alongside his brother Zico. He served as an assistant coach for Fenerbahçe in Turkey from 2006 to 2007, during which time his brother Zico was the head coach. The team included notable Brazilian members such as Roberto Carlos's father, Oscar Silva; Fenerbahçe conditioner Moraci Sant'Anna, who had been a coach for the Brazil national team in three World Cups; Marco Aurélio's uncle Sebastião; and Edu Dracena's brother. He later reunited with Zico as an assistant coach for CSKA Moscow in Russia in 2009 and for Olympiacos FC in Greece from 2009 to 2010.

Edu also held significant technical advisory and assistant coaching positions for national teams. He was a technical advisor for the Japan national football team from 2003 to 2006 and served as an assistant coach for the Iraq national football team from 2011 to 2012.

3.5. Coaching philosophy and talent identification

Edu Coimbra was known for his unique coaching philosophy and his exceptional ability to identify and nurture young football talent. He famously scouted and brought Jorginho, who would later become one of the world's best right-backs, into the senior team. Similarly, he recognized and developed Kazuyoshi Miura during his tenure at Coritiba FC, playing a crucial role in the development of these future stars. Edu is also credited with devising a unique training method called "soccer dance," which incorporates dance to enhance flexibility, rhythm, ball control, and footwork, emphasizing a holistic approach to player development.

4.1. Player honours

• Copa Rio Branco: 1967 (with Brazil)
• Taça Guanabara: 1974 (with America FC)
• Bahia State Championship: 1975 (with Bahia)
• Torneio Roberto Gomes Pedrosa Top Scorer: 1969 (Individual)
• South American Best Player: 1969 (Individual)

4.2. Managerial honours

• Taça Rio: 1982 (with America FC)
• Tournament of the Champions: 1982 (with America FC)
• Paraná State Championship: 1989 (with Coritiba FC)
• Rio State Championship: 1990 (with Botafogo FR)

5.1. Influence on clubs and players

His legendary status at America Football Club is a testament to his impact as a player, where his goal-scoring records and iconic dribbling skills cemented his place in the club's history. As a manager, Edu's legacy is significantly defined by his remarkable ability to identify and cultivate raw talent. His pivotal role in developing future stars such as Jorginho and Kazuyoshi Miura demonstrates his keen eye for potential and his commitment to player development, which had a lasting impact on their successful careers.

5.2. Overall impact on football

Edu Coimbra's contributions to football extend beyond individual clubs and players. As a manager, he played a crucial role in guiding the Iraq national football team to their historic first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986, leaving an indelible mark on Iraqi football history. His work with the Brazilian national team and his various technical advisory roles in Japan and other countries highlight his dedication to the broader development of the sport. His unique training methods, such as "soccer dance," also reflect an innovative approach to coaching that emphasizes fundamental skills and physical conditioning. Through his combined roles as a player, club manager, and national team coach, Edu Coimbra has made significant and lasting contributions to both Brazilian and international football.