Biography
Who is Dunga?
Early life and real name
Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri was born on October 31, 1963, in Ijuí, Brazil. He is of Italian and German descent. An uncle gave him the nickname Dunga during his childhood due to his small stature, referencing the Portuguese translation of Dopey from the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Despite expectations that he would remain short, the nickname persisted into his adult life and professional career.
Playing career
Dunga played as a defensive midfielder for numerous clubs throughout his career. His club path included spells with Internacional, Corinthians, Santos, Vasco da Gama, Pisa, Fiorentina, Pescara, VfB Stuttgart, and Júbilo Iwata. He became known for his technique, athleticism, solid tackling, and passing range, rarely going to ground to make a challenge.
On the international stage, Dunga debuted for the senior Brazilian squad in 1987. He won the 1989 Copa América and later took over the captaincy of the national team. Under his leadership, Brazil won the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, defeating Italy in a penalty shootout. He also captained the side to a runner-up finish at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, earning 91 senior caps and scoring six goals for his country.
Managerial career
Dunga served two separate tenures as the head coach of the Brazil national team. His first spell began in July 2006 and yielded the 2007 Copa América title and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, along with an Olympic bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Games. After exiting the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the quarter-finals, he returned for a second stint in 2014 before leaving following the Copa América Centenario. He also managed Internacional briefly in 2013.
Dunga height and personal life
Dunga stands at a height of 177 centimeters. Beyond his football career, he has been involved in a financial dispute regarding a loan made to English club Queens Park Rangers. He claimed he loaned funds to the club under previous owners, while the club stated his payment cheque bounced.
Birthday and age
Dunga was born on October 31, 1963, which makes Dunga 62 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Dunga shares the date with 32 other famous people.
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