Legendary Brazilian Rivelino recalls the 1970 World Cup final

Legendary Brazilian footballer Rivelino reminisced with FIFA about the great support he received from the Mexican people at the 1970 World Cup and why the final match against Italy was the ‘easiest’ for them.

After retiring from football, Roberto Rivelino now lives in a quiet village in Sao Paulo, away from the hustle and bustle of the stadium. The only sound he can hear now is the chirping of birds. But the memories of the big stage of football still linger in the mind of the Brazilian legend. He especially cannot forget the final match of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

Rivelino said the beautiful atmosphere in Mexico played a big role in Brazil winning their third World Cup. When he closed his eyes, he could still hear the roar of the 100,000 fans in the Azteca Stadium during the final against Italy. But the Brazilian team’s love affair with the Mexican people began long before the final match.

“Our experience in Mexico in 1970 was great,” Rivelino told FIFA in an interview. “Because we were in the city of Guadalajara until the final. We were winning one match after another, so we were allowed to stay in the same city for the whole tournament. That’s why the whole thing was very special for us. Then we went to the final in the Azteca Stadium, which was packed to the brim—a huge stadium.”

After the hosts Mexico were eliminated in the quarterfinals, the country’s football fans began to support the Brazilian team wholeheartedly. This served as an additional motivation for the Brazilian players. Brazil also reciprocated the love of the audience by playing brilliantly.

Brazil won all (six) of their matches, thanks to the magical play of stars like Pele, Tostao, Gerson, Jairzinho and Rivelino.

Rivelino explained, “When Mexico was eliminated from the World Cup, the Mexican people embraced us. It was because of the great style of play and the magic of football. They really gave us space and supported us from the heart. That’s why the final match was something to watch.”

Brazilian football magic on Mexican soil

Brazil’s dominance did not come overnight. This was a team that improved their game every match as soon as they stepped onto the field. The team’s understanding and confidence were so high that, according to Rivelino, no opponent could stop them.

“With each match, Brazil’s edge in the game was increasing. Even if there were two or three more matches in the tournament, I don’t think anyone could have beaten us. We were playing better and better. And on top of that, we had the football king Pele in our team. Who wouldn’t want to see a game like that?”

The team’s most powerful left-footer—known as the “Patada Atómica” (atomic kick)—calmly recalled the final match, which he said was the easiest for Brazil in the entire tournament, against a formidable Italy.

The first half ended in a 1–1 draw, with goals from Pele and Italy’s Roberto Boninsegna. However, Brazil dominated the second half and took control of the match. Goals from Gerson, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto saw Brazil win the trophy 4–1.

“Believe it or not, the final against Italy was the most comfortable and “easy” match for us,” Rivelino said. “You might think, ‘What, finals are easy, right?'” But on the pitch I felt like we could have easily scored five goals. I was even ready to score when a defender fouled me. But the referee didn’t give a penalty as we were 4-1 up.”

As soon as the final whistle blew, the Azteca Stadium erupted in jubilation. Mexican fans broke through the security fence and entered the field, hugging Brazilian players and celebrating.

Rivelino smiled and said, “When I think back to the final match, the Mexican fans came onto the field as soon as the game ended. They put a Mexican hat (sombrero) on Pele’s head. It was an absolute madness! You don’t see that anymore these days. But back then, people would come onto the field. Tostao was stripped down to almost nothing except his underwear. Unbelievable!”

Returning to that stage of glory

More than five decades later, another World Cup is coming to North America. And this World Cup has brought back old memories for Rivelino with Mexico. He will be on the field for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11.

Although Rivelino has visited Mexico several times to receive awards, he has never been to the stadium where Brazil won their third World Cup. In 2018, he was inducted into Mexico’s Pachuca Football Hall of Fame alongside fellow World Cup-winning captain Cafu.

The former midfielder was honored with a symbolic key to Mexico City—a special honor bestowed upon the heroes of the 1970 World Cup. He is now counting down the days to set foot on the familiar field that immortalized their generation in football history.

“It’s going to be a great moment. I’ll be setting foot there again after almost 56 years. I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.