Former World Cup star concerned in ‘most controversial refereeing determination’ dies at 76
During a decisive round of the 1971 Campeonato Paulista, against São Paulo, the football star’s header goal was disallowed by referee who called a handball – this became one of the most controversial calls in football history
Leivinha during the FIFA World Cup match between Zaire and Brazil on June 22, 1974 at the Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen, Germany(Image: Getty Images)
A football legend involved in one of the game’s most controversial decisions has passed away at the age of 76.
João Leiva Campos Filho, known as Leivinha, was born on September 11, 1949 and went on to become one of the greatest players in Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras’ history. The football hero died on Thursday, June 4. His cause of death has not been made public.
Born in São Paulo, Leivinha started his career at Clube Atlético Linense in 1965 at just 15 years old, before moving to Associação Portuguesa de Desportos where he caught the attention of Palmeiras.
After signing with Palmeiras in 1971, Leivinha quickly became a star player and captivated Brazilian football in the first half of the 1970s.
A talented midfielder, Leivinha played for Palmeiras for four and a half years. During this time, the team won two São Paulo state championships (1972 and 1974) and two Brazilian championships (1972 and 1973).
The club also bagged trophies from national and international tournaments with the help of Leivinha.
Leivinha is among the 15 top scorers in Palmeiras’ history. He played 267 games for the club, which resulted in 158 wins, 80 draws and 29 losses and scored 108 goals.
Leivinha was also one of the most controversial moments in São Paulo footballing history.
In the decisive round of the 1971 Campeonato Paulista, against São Paulo, Leivinha’s header goal was disallowed by referee Armando Marques, who called a handball.
The incident is remembered as one of the most striking refereeing errors in the tournament’s history.
His stellar performance at Palmeiras secured him a spot in the Brazilian national team and the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Brazil finished fourth behind West Germany, the Netherlands and Poland.
In 1975, after winning the Ramón de Carranza Tournament and helping Palmeiras beat Real Madrid in the final, he transferred to Atlético de Madrid in Spain.
His former team paid tribute after his death, writing: “The Atlético family mourns the passing of João Leiva Campos Filho ‘Leivinha’. During his four years at our club, he made 93 appearances and scored 43 goals, helping the team win the 1977 league championship. Rest in peace.”
He returned to Brazil for a brief appearance at São Paulo, but was forced to retire at 29 due to recurring injuries.
