Fans of the modern Brazilian players may point to the abilities of Roberto Carlos, but Junior was the better player by some distance. His defensive qualities were a rarity in a Brazilian defender at the time – and for a defender, his finishing was as good as any striker you’re likely to see. 
He was one of the superstars of the 1982 World Cup in Spain, in the best attacking side ever to play in a World Cup. He may have been a defender, but he was a major threat going forward and scored a picture-book goal against arch-rivals Argentina in the second phase, swapping passes with Zico before slotting past Argentinian 'keeper Ubaldo Fillol for one of the World Cup’s great goals.
His enthusiasm for the game saw him continue into his 40’s, when he moved to Japan to help start the J-League. Now in his fifties, he still represents Brazil as part of its all-conquering Beach Football team. A great player with a great attitude.