Last update November 6, 2026 by Alberto Llopis
Iomar do Nascimento, Mazinho, won the World Cup with Brazil and left a lasting impression in Valencia and Vigo. He was an understated footballer, the kind of player every coach appreciates having in the squad: more interested in teamwork than the spotlight. His story is about more than trophies, it is also about the affection he earned from Spanish supporters.
The Brazilian began his career at Santa Cruz in Brazil before moving to Vasco de Gama where his performances earned him a move to Europe with Lecce in Serie A, at that time the best European league. It was Fiorentina signed him just a year later, but he made less of an impact with the Viola and returned to Brazil, specifically to Palmeiras, where he became a key player for both club and country.
Mazinho with Brazil: Olympic silver and world champion
According to the profile on the Brazilian Olympic Committee website, Mazinho was part of the team that won the silver medal in Seoul 1988. He later won the Copa America 1989 and became a world champion at USA ’94. That World Cup is remembered for Romario and Bebeto but it would have been impossible without Mazinho who commanded Brazil’s midfield like few others.
Mazinho at Valencia CF
After winning that World Cup, he signed for Valencia CF who also hired Parreira, Brazilian coach who requested the signing of Mazinho immediately. In Mestalla he became a regular starter, although the coach’s project did not succeed and Parreira was dismissed.
Mazinho, the legend of RC Celta de Vigo
After two individually successful seasons at Valencia, he got the chance to sign for Celta de Vigo. In Vigo he played his best football in La Liga, helping define a golden era for the club and remaining a regular starter for 4 seasons, becoming a favourite with the fans at Balaídos. Moreover, he also showed his scoring ability in the sky-blue shirt, scoring 10 many, a tally he had not reached at his previous clubs.
Elche, his last stage in Spain
His final spell in Spain took him to second-division side Elche In the season 2000-2001. With the green-and-white shirt he played only 18 matches as his career drew to a close, but the fans at the Martínez Valero still had the pleasure of watching a World Cup winner. Then he returned to Brazil: the Brazilian Olympic Committee records his retirement at Vitória, in 2001.
But the contribution of Mazinho to football went beyond his performances on the pitch. He is the father of two great footballers, Thiago and Rafinha, forming one of those families of fathers and sons who became professional footballers, who surely benefited from the advice of one of the outstanding players of the 90.
