Biography
Who is Toninho Cerezo?
Playing career and clubs
Toninho Cerezo began his professional football path in Brazil. His club career included prominent stints at Nacional Futebol Clube, América Futebol Clube, and Cruzeiro E.C. However, he is perhaps most famous for his time at Clube Atlético Mineiro in his hometown of Belo Horizonte. He also played for São Paulo, where he achieved significant success on the international stage.
In Europe, he moved to Italy to play for AS Roma and U.C. Sampdoria. During his time in Italy, he secured the Coppa Italia title four times. With Sampdoria, he celebrated a Serie A championship victory in 1991. His defensive capabilities and tactical awareness made him a standout player in both domestic and international leagues, eventually earning him a reputation as a deep-lying playmaker who could orchestrate attacks.
International football achievements
Throughout his career, he made 57 appearances for the Brazil national team between 1977 and 1985, scoring five goals. He competed in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil earned a third-place bronze medal. He returned to the global stage for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, though the team was eliminated in the second round.
Also, he participated in the 1979 Copa América, helping Brazil secure a third-place finish. Although he was scheduled to compete in the 1986 tournament, a hamstring injury in May forced him to withdraw from the competition. His international tenure is often remembered for his role in the 1982 squad, which featured high-profile matches against Italy and Argentina.
Managerial career path
After retiring as a player in 1997, he pursued coaching. He started his managerial career in Brazil at Vitória, where he helped the team reach the semifinals of the Brasileirão Série A. He later spent six years in Japan managing the Kashima Antlers. During his tenure in the J.League, he secured five major titles, including two league championships, one Emperor's Cup, and two league cups.
Following his success in Japan, he managed various teams across different regions. He returned to Brazil to coach Atlético Mineiro and Guarani. He also worked with several Asian clubs, including Al Hilal, Al Shabab, and Al Ain. Later, he took on the role of head manager for Sport Recife, although his tenure there lasted only one month.
Personal life and statistics
Toninho Cerezo was born on April 21, 1955, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He stands 183 centimeters tall. He is Roman Catholic and has four children, including the fashion model Lea T. His career was marked by numerous individual awards, such as the Bola de Ouro in 1977 and 1980, and the Bola de Prata in 1976. He was also named the best player of the 1993 Intercontinental Cup final after scoring and assisting a goal in a 3-2 victory against Milan.
Birthday and age
Toninho Cerezo was born on April 21, 1955, which makes Toninho 71 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Toninho shares the date with 27 other famous people.
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