Manoel Pereira (3 January 1927 – 23 April 1985), mostly known by the nickname Leônidas da Selva, was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward.
Nickname origin
Manoel earned the nickname "Leônidas da Selva" from journalist Sandro Moreira, a joke on the player's physical resemblance to Leônidas da Silva, but having a totally ferocious style of play on the field (in Portuguese, "Selva" means jungle).
Career
Started his career in Santa Catarina, played for Flamengo de Estreito and Lauro Müller. After, played for Palestra Itália de Curitiba and Avaí FC. In 1952, arrived at America, a club with which he had national recognition which earned him six calls for the Brazilian national team in 1956.
He scored an unusual goal on an America trip to Turkey, where he scored with his heel, supporting his body weight on his hands.
Honours
Brazil
Taça Oswaldo Cruz: 1956
Taça do Atlântico: 1956
America
1955 Campeonato Carioca runners-up
References
External links
Leônidas da Selva at ogol.com.br
1927 births
1985 deaths
Men's association football forwards
Brazilian men's footballers
Avaí FC players
America Football Club (Rio de Janeiro) players
Brazil men's international footballers
Footballers from Santa Catarina (state)