1. Personal Life and Background
João Coelho Neto was born on February 8, 1905, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was the son of the renowned Brazilian writer Coelho Neto. Standing at 69 in (176 cm) and weighing 139 lb (63 kg), Preguinho possessed a physical build that contributed to his athletic versatility. His early life was marked by a diverse interest in sports, showcasing talent across multiple disciplines beyond football.
2. Football Career
Preguinho's football career was primarily defined by his long tenure with Fluminense FC and his historic participation with the Brazil national team in the first FIFA World Cup.
2.1. Club Career
Preguinho spent his entire professional football career, from 1925 to 1938, playing exclusively for Fluminense FC in Brazil. During his time with the club, he was a prolific goalscorer, netting a total of 184 goals in 174 appearances. His contributions were instrumental in Fluminense's success, leading them to win the Campeonato Carioca (Rio de Janeiro State Championship) title three consecutive times in 1936, 1937, and 1938. Individually, Preguinho was recognized as the top scorer in the Campeonato Carioca twice, in 1930 and 1932, further cementing his status as a leading forward of his era.
2.2. International Career
Preguinho represented the Brazil national football team and played a pivotal role in their debut at the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay. He had the distinct honor of being the first captain of the Brazil national team in a World Cup. In Brazil's opening match against Yugoslavia on July 14, 1930, Preguinho scored Brazil's first-ever goal in a FIFA World Cup, though the match ended in a 1-2 defeat. Six days later, on July 20, 1930, he further demonstrated his scoring ability by netting two goals in Brazil's 4-0 victory over Bolivia. His international career included 3 official A-match appearances, in which he scored 4 goals. Additionally, he played in 2 unofficial matches for Brazil, scoring 3 goals.
3. Other Sports and Awards
Beyond his celebrated football career, Preguinho was a multi-talented athlete who excelled in various other sports. He demonstrated proficiency in disciplines such as volleyball and basketball, showcasing his exceptional athletic abilities. His widespread contributions to Brazilian sports were recognized in 1952 when he was awarded the prestigious Grande Benemérito Atleta (Great Meritorious Athlete) title, an honor that acknowledged his significant impact across different athletic fields.
4. Statistics
Preguinho's career statistics highlight his consistent performance as a goalscorer for both his club and the national team.
| Club/Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluminense FC | 1925-1938 | 174 | 184 |
| Brazil (Official) | 1930-1932 | 3 | 4 |
| Brazil (Unofficial) | 2 | 3 |
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 14 July 1930 | Estadio Gran Parque Central, Montevideo, Uruguay | Yugoslavia | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1930 FIFA World Cup |
| 2. | 20 July 1930 | Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay | Bolivia | 2-0 | 4-0 | 1930 FIFA World Cup |
| 3. | 20 July 1930 | Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay | Bolivia | 4-0 | 4-0 | |
| 4. | 17 August 1930 | Estádio das Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | United States | 3-2 | 4-3 | Friendly |
5. Legacy and Commemoration
Preguinho's significant contributions to Fluminense FC and Brazilian football have been enduringly recognized. In his honor, Fluminense dedicated a statue, a permanent tribute to his legacy as a club legend. His life and career were also the subject of a Brazilian television program, produced by Carlos Niemeyer for Canal 100 and directed by Carlos Leonam and Oswaldo Caldeira, further cementing his place in the nation's sports history.