Brazilian football icon Zico joined John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy for a special edition of the Obi One Podcast, powered by Betwinner, recorded live at Bacana Bar, just a short stroll from the famous Maracanã Stadium. The football legend opened up about his love for Flamengo, shared personal memories of Pelé, and even spoke candidly about Neymar’s career focus, as seen on the Obi One Podcast’s official YouTube account.
The episode follows Softfootball’s recent coverage on rising Brazilian stars like Estevão, the Chelsea wonderkid who became the youngest Brazilian to score since Pelé — a clear sign that the country’s football magic continues to inspire new generations.
Zico, who played for Flamengo for over 20 years, spoke passionately about the club’s enduring power and massive fanbase. He said proudly:
Every game, there are 50,000 to 60,000 people cheering. The directors have built something special, and the fans just keep growing.
He reserved special praise for current boss Filipe Luís, predicting that the former left-back could one day manage the Brazil national team. His comments come not long after Vinícius Júnior hailed Carlo Ancelotti’s magic touch as Brazil’s secret weapon ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Watch the video below:
When asked about Pelé, Zico smiled warmly. He said:
You take Pelé off the list to make it fair. God gave him everything, and he left it all on the field.
He placed Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo right behind the Brazilian great, praising both for their unique qualities. He laughed as he added:
Messi’s talent is natural; Ronaldo had to work harder. But if I had to choose one to play with, I’d pick Ronaldo, as some of the things Messi does, I could do too.
Zico also praised African greats like Jay-Jay Okocha, Samuel Eto’o, and George Weah before reflecting on Neymar’s lifestyle choices. He said honestly:
Sometimes he forgets his number one job is to be a footballer; Messi and Ronaldo never forget that.
As the chat wound down, the Flamengo legend revealed his soft spot for Manchester United even though he admitted they’re not that good right now. His all-time top three? Pelé, Messi, then Ronaldo. Simple and timeless.
