Vinicius de Moraes was a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward and later manager for the São Paulo-based club Flamengo. He was known for his skill, pace, and ability to score goals. Born on January 27, 1954, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he began his career with Santos Futebol Clube in 1968 before moving to Flamengo.
De Moraes was part of the squad that won the Copa Libertadores in 1976, which was one of the most successful seasons in the club's history. In that season, Flamengo reached the semi-finals of the competition but lost to eventual champions Real Madrid. The following year, they made it all the way to the final, where they were defeated by eventual champion Barcelona.
De Moraes also managed Flamengo during their first three seasons, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro twice (in 1978 and 1980) and reaching the quarterfinals of the competition in each instance. During his time at the club, he helped them win the Campeonato Paulista in 1983 and 1985, and the Campeonato Brasileiro in 1986 and 1987.
Despite his success, De Moraes struggled financially throughout his career, and he eventually retired from playing in 1987. However, he remained an important figure in Flamengo's history, leaving a lasting impact on the team and its fans. His contributions to the club have been celebrated worldwide, and he is remembered as one of the greatest players of his generation.