The hard player: Grafite
Edinaldo Batista Libânio, known as Grafite, was born on 2 April 1979 in Campo Limpo Paulista, Brazil. A centre-forward who built his European reputation at VfL Wolfsburg, where he hammered in 76 goals in 131 matches. Before Germany, he had already made his mark at Le Mans UC (20 goals in 56 matches) and São Paulo FC (17 goals in 46 matches).
His career also took him to Al-Ahli, where he racked up an eye-catching 79 goals in 108 matches, and to Santa Cruz FC (24 goals in 51 matches). With the Brazilian national team, opportunities were limited: just 4 caps and 1 goal. A prolific scorer at club level, but a rare guest in the Seleção.
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PlayThe medium player: Fernando Hierro
Fernando Ruiz Hierro was born on 23 March 1968 in Vélez-Málaga. A natural centre-back who could also play as a defensive midfielder, he spent fourteen seasons at Real Madrid from 1989 to 2003, making 601 appearances and scoring an astonishing 127 goals. A remarkable tally for a defender who blended defensive solidity, passing quality and a genuine eye for goal. With the club, he lifted four Spanish league titles and three Champions League trophies.
He earned 89 caps for Spain and scored 29 goals. After spells at Valladolid, Bolton (35 matches) and Al-Rayyan, he moved into management, taking charge of Real Oviedo in 2016. On 13 June 2018, on the eve of the World Cup, he was appointed Spain’s head coach following the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.
The easy player: Zico
Arthur Antunes Coimbra, known as Zico, was born on 3 March 1953 in Rio de Janeiro. Nicknamed the ‘White Pelé’, this attacking midfielder spent the vast majority of his career at Flamengo, scoring 370 goals in 504 appearances and becoming an undisputed icon of the Rio club. His trademark: devastating dribbles and a striker’s instinct that left defenders in the dust.
After a stint in Italy with Udinese (30 goals in 53 matches), he wrapped up his career in Japan with Kashima Antlers, netting 46 goals in 66 games. On the international stage, he earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals, featuring in three World Cups: 1978, 1982 and 1986.