Paulo César Caju

Paulo César Lima, known as Caju, was one of the most talented left-wing midfielders of the golden generation of Brazilian football in the 1970s. Member of the World Cup champion squad of 1970 in Mexico, Caju was a player of extreme technical quality, with bewildering dribbling skills and privileged game vision that delighted crowds in Brazil and Europe. Beyond his undisputed football talent, Caju was marked by the courage to confront the Brazilian military dictatorship. One of the few athletes of his generation who publicly positioned himself against the regime, he suffered retaliation that limited his presence in the national team, in a sad chapter of the history of Brazilian football and politics. He had a prominent career in Europe, playing for Olympique de Marseille and Juventus of Italy, becoming a pioneer among Brazilians in European football. After retirement, he became a commentator and defender of social causes, remembered both for his genius with the ball and for his integrity off the field.