1. Early Life and Club Career
Éder Aleixo de Assis's football journey began in his native Brazil, progressing through numerous clubs before establishing himself as a prominent figure in Brazilian football.
1.1. Early Life
Éder was born on 25 May 1957, in Vespasiano, a municipality located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
1.2. Club Career
Éder commenced his professional club career with América Mineiro, playing from 1975 to 1976, where he made 26 appearances and scored 6 goals. He then moved to Grêmio, playing from 1977 to 1979, with 47 appearances and 14 goals. His most notable spell was with Atlético Mineiro, where he had multiple stints: first from 1980 to 1985 (79 appearances, 27 goals), then from 1989 to 1990 (19 appearances, 2 goals), and again from 1994 to 1995 (21 appearances, 2 goals).
Between these periods, Éder also played for various other clubs. In 1985, he briefly joined Inter de Limeira. He then played for Palmeiras in 1986, making 8 appearances and scoring 1 goal, followed by spells at Santos and Sport Recife in 1987. In 1988, he played for Botafogo (6 appearances, 1 goal), Atlético Paranaense, and Cerro Porteño in Paraguay. In 1989, he had a brief stint with Fenerbahçe in Turkey, making 1 appearance. Later in 1988-89, he transferred to Malatyaspor in Turkey, where he played alongside Brazilian compatriots Carlos and Serginho. He returned to Atlético Paranaense in 1991 (9 appearances, 3 goals) and then joined União São João from 1991 to 1992, and again in 1995 (10 appearances, 4 goals). In 1993, he played for Cruzeiro. Towards the end of his career, he also represented Conquista FC and Gama in 1996, and Montes Claros FC in 1997.
2. International Career
Éder Aleixo enjoyed a significant international career with the Brazil national football team, particularly shining in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
2.1. 1982 FIFA World Cup
Éder made his international debut for the Brazil national team in May 1979. He gained significant international prominence during the 1982 FIFA World Cup held in Spain. He was an integral part of what is widely considered one of the greatest international football teams ever assembled, playing alongside legendary figures such as Zico, Sócrates, and Falcão. This attacking quartet was often referred to as the "Golden Quartet" due to their fluid and spectacular offensive play.
In Brazil's opening match of the tournament against the Soviet Union, Éder scored a crucial winning goal. From approximately 72 ft (22 m) out, he flicked the ball up and unleashed a blistering volley with immense power and precision, which left the Soviet goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev standing still, unable to react. This goal, assisted by Falcão, was a highlight of the tournament. He followed this with another impressive goal in Brazil's 4-1 victory over Scotland. After feigning to shoot, he cleverly lofted the ball over Scotland's frozen goalkeeper Alan Rough into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area. In the second round group game against Argentina, Éder smashed a bending free kick from about 89 ft (27 m) against the crossbar, and the rebound led directly to Zico's opening goal of the match. His contributions were vital to Brazil's aesthetically pleasing but ultimately unsuccessful campaign in the tournament.
2.2. Later International Career and Disciplinary Issues
Éder Aleixo earned a total of 52 caps with the Brazil national team between May 1979 and April 1986, scoring 8 goals. However, his career after the 1982 World Cup was impacted by various issues. He did not make the Brazilian squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup due to a decline in form and fitness during the preceding season. A notable incident that contributed to his omission was an apparent altercation during a warm-up game for Brazil, where he reportedly pushed a ball boy. His final international appearance came in April 1986 against Peru, a match in which he was sent off.
Off the field, Éder was frequently a controversial figure. Rumors circulated that he prioritized partying over training, and he often had disagreements with coaches and teammates. Despite his immense footballing ability, he developed a reputation for a poor work-rate, a difficult and temperamental character, and a general lack of discipline both on and off the pitch. These behavioral aspects led to conflicts with several of his managers throughout his career.
3. Style of Play
Éder Aleixo was predominantly a left-footed player. He typically operated as a wide midfielder on the left flank, but was also versatile enough to play as an out-and-out forward or in a more fluid role as a second striker. In his prime, he was widely regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position.
While he was not the quickest among wingers, Éder possessed exceptional creativity, an athletically built physique, dazzling technical skills, and superb close control of the ball. His most striking attribute was his extremely accurate and powerful bending shot with his left foot, which was so potent that one of his strikes was reportedly measured at a speed of 108 mph (174.5 km/h). This formidable shot earned him the evocative nickname O Canhão (O CanhãoOh Kahn-yow (The Cannon)Portuguese), meaning "The Cannon," from his admiring fans. He had the unique ability to bend the ball in any direction by striking it with either the inside or the outside of his left instep, a skill that earned comparisons to the legendary kicking power of players like Rivelino and Roberto Carlos. In contrast, his weaker right foot was not particularly adept.
Beyond his incredible ball-striking abilities from outside the penalty area or from volleys in open play, Éder was also highly regarded for his accuracy from free kicks. His excellent ball delivery from set-pieces and corners, along with his accurate long passing and crossing ability, further cemented his reputation as a technically gifted and influential attacking player.
4. Honours
Éder Aleixo's illustrious career was marked by several team and individual accolades.
4.1. Club Honours
Grêmio
- Reconquista: 1977
- Campeonato Gaúcho: 1977, 1979
- Hexa: 1978, 1979
- Torneo Ciudad de Rosario: 1979
Atlético Mineiro
- Campeonato Mineiro: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1995
- Tournoi de Paris: 1982
- Trofeo Ramón de Carranza: 1990
Cruzeiro
- Copa do Brasil: 1993
4.2. Individual Honours
- Brazilian Silver Ball: 1983
- South American Player of the Year Bronze award: 1983
5. Career Statistics
Éder's career spanned multiple clubs and a significant period with the Brazilian national team, accumulating notable statistics.
5.1. Club Statistics
The following table summarizes Éder's known club appearances and goals. Note that complete statistics for all his club stints are not fully available.
| Club | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| América Mineiro | 1975-1976 | 26 | 6 |
| Grêmio | 1977-1979 | 47 | 14 |
| Atlético Mineiro | 1980-1985 | 79 | 27 |
| Inter de Limeira | 1985 | ||
| Palmeiras | 1986 | 8 | 1 |
| Santos | 1987 | ||
| Sport Recife | 1987 | ||
| Botafogo | 1988 | 6 | 1 |
| Atlético Paranaense | 1988 | ||
| Cerro Porteño | 1988 | ||
| Fenerbahçe | 1989 | 1 | 0 |
| Atlético Mineiro | 1989-1990 | 19 | 2 |
| Atlético Paranaense | 1991 | 9 | 3 |
| União São João | 1991-1992 | ||
| Cruzeiro | 1993 | ||
| Atlético Mineiro | 1994-1995 | 21 | 2 |
| União São João | 1995 | 10 | 4 |
| Conquista FC | 1996 | ||
| Gama | 1996 | ||
| Montes Claros FC | 1997 |
5.2. International Statistics
Éder represented the Brazil national team in numerous matches, scoring several important goals.
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 1979 | 3 | 2 |
| 1980 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1981 | 12 | 0 | |
| 1982 | 10 | 3 | |
| 1983 | 11 | 3 | |
| 1985 | 10 | 0 | |
| 1986 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 52 | 8 | |
Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Éder goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 May 1979 | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Paraguay | - | 6-0 | Friendly |
| 2 | 31 May 1979 | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Uruguay | - | 5-1 | Friendly |
| 3 | 5 May 1982 | Castelão, São Luís, Brazil | Portugal | 2-0 | 3-1 | Friendly |
| 4 | 14 June 1982 | Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Seville, Spain | USSR | 2-1 | 2-1 | 1982 FIFA World Cup |
| 5 | 18 June 1982 | Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville, Spain | Scotland | 3-1 | 4-1 | 1982 FIFA World Cup |
| 6 | 28 April 1983 | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Chile | 2-1 | 3-2 | Friendly |
| 7 | 1 September 1983 | Estádio Serra Dourada, Goiânia, Brazil | Ecuador | 4-0 | 5-0 | 1983 Copa América |
| 8 | 13 October 1983 | Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay | Paraguay | 1-1 | 1-1 | 1983 Copa América |
6. Assessment and Legacy
Éder Aleixo's career is remembered for both his exceptional contributions on the field and the controversies that occasionally marred his reputation.
6.1. Contributions and Strengths
Éder's legacy is primarily defined by his extraordinary technical skills and his devastatingly powerful left-footed shot, which earned him the moniker "O Canhão" (The Cannon). He was a key offensive force in the revered 1982 Brazilian national team, contributing to their dazzling and attractive style of play alongside other footballing giants. His ability to score from long range, his accuracy with free kicks, and his capacity for accurate crosses and long passes made him a significant attacking threat. Éder's flair and creativity captivated fans, leaving a lasting impression as one of the most exciting players of his generation. His performance in the 1982 World Cup, despite Brazil's ultimate exit, cemented his place in football folklore as a player of immense talent and unique attributes.
6.2. Criticisms and Controversies
Despite his undeniable talent, Éder's career was frequently overshadowed by criticisms regarding his work ethic, temperamental character, and a perceived lack of discipline. Reports suggested that he favored social activities over rigorous training, leading to friction with coaches and teammates. His volatile personality often resulted in public disagreements and disciplinary issues, including an incident where he reportedly pushed a ball boy, which contributed to his exclusion from the 1986 World Cup squad. Furthermore, his red card in his final international match underscored his reputation for erratic behavior. These behavioral aspects, including his inconsistent work-rate and difficult character, led to several disputes with managers throughout his career and prevented him from perhaps reaching even greater heights, despite his prodigious natural ability.