Zezé Procópio

Zezé Procópio
Personal information
Full name José Procópio Mendes
Date of birth (1913-08-12)12 August 1913
Place of birth Varginha, Brazil
Date of death 8 February 1980(1980-02-08) (aged 66)
Position(s) Centre Midfielder (retired)
Youth career
1929–1932 Villa Nova
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1932–1936 Villa Nova 91 (11)
1936–1938 Atlético Mineiro 107 (1)
1938–1942 Botafogo 305 (34)
1942–1943 Palmeiras 55 (3)
1943–1945 São Paulo 37 (2)
1945–1948 Palmeiras 126 (5)
Total 754 (56)
International career
1938–1946 Brazil 20 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

José Procópio Mendes, best known as Zezé Procópio (August 12, 1913 in Varginha, Minas Gerais State – February 8, 1980 in Valença, Rio de Janeiro State) is a former Brazilian football player. He has played for Brazil national team. Zezé Procópio's style of play was characterized by his robust defensive abilities and precise ball distribution. He was known for his tireless energy and strategic approach, which solidified the Brazilian team's midfield during the 1938 FIFA World Cup. Despite not scoring a goal, his performances were instrumental in Brazil's journey to the semifinals, leaving a significant mark on fans and securing his place in World Cup history. His skill and passion on the pitch made him a pivotal figure in the team's success. Commonly regarded as one of the best central midfielders in Brazilian football.

Club career

He made his debut in football in 1932 playing for the Villa Nova team, in which he spent four seasons. During 1936-1938 he defended the colors of the club "Atlético Mineiro". With his play for the latter team, he attracted the attention of representatives of the coaching staff of the Botafogo club, which he joined in 1938. He played for the team from Rio de Janeiro for the next four seasons of his playing career. Subsequently, from 1942 to 1944, he played as part of the teams of the clubs Palmeiras and São Paulo. In 1945, he returned to the Palmeiras club, for which he played 3 seasons. He ended his professional career as a football player in 1948.

International career

In 1938, he made his debut in official matches as part of the national team of Brazil. During his career with the national team, which lasted 9 years, he played 20 matches in its uniform. As part of the national team, he participated in the 1938 World Cup in France, where he played against Poland (6–5), Czechoslovakia (1–1), Italy (1–2) and Sweden (4–2), and the team won bronze medals. He also participated in the 1945 South American Championship in Chile, where he won silver with the team, the 1946 South American Championship in Argentina, where he won silver with the team.

Honours

Villa Nova-MG
  • Campeonato Mineiro: 1933, 1934, 1935
Atlético Mineiro
Palmeiras
  • Campeonato Paulista: 1942, 1947
São Paulo
  • Campeonato Paulista: 1943
Brazil


  1. ↑ Crouch, Terry (2010). The World Cup : the complete history. London: Aurum. p. 35. ISBN 9781845135270.
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