The 12th Soccer Player

Short film project

The Brazilian soccer supporter is the theme of the project O Craque Sem Chuteira, (“The 12th Soccer Player”) a trilogy of short films: RIVELLINO (“Rivellino”), PAIXÃO CEGA (“Blind Passion”), E FLEUMA (“Phlegm”).

It would be hard to imagine, weren’t it true, that the way to practice and deal with a given sport could so clearly translate the people’s spirits. The fact is Brazil can be read and understood by the soccer it plays.

Soccer and Brazil were not born together, at least not in time and space, yet they got themselves together by candid affinity. The whole world agrees: “Brazilian” is, besides a nationality, and adjective for well-played soccer. Fact of ultimate social importance, the country’s self-esteem is intimately connected to the success in the field.

However, a Brazilian is not only good in the field. People of strong faith, they look forward to what the future might prove right: that his team, after all, is the best. The Brazilian soul is the purest in the body of the supporter, the true essence of the sport, over inclusively our Romarios, Garrinchas and Peles. We believe that by knowing the way Brazilian relates with soccer, we may grasp comprehension of people’s poetic sense.