Neither Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele, nor Alessandro Rosa Vieira, Falcao, needed to play in Europe to be considered the best. However, ‘O Rei’ of Futsal was on the verge of doing so in Spain, specifically in Cartagena. Twenty-five years ago, Jimbee’s manager, Roberto Sánchez, convinced the Brazilian star to join the team from the ancient city. It was an operation that had the potential to revolutionize the National Futsal League, similar to what Paulo Roberto and the Portuguese Ricardinho had done in their time.
Falcao’s signing for Cartagena began to take shape in early 1999 during a trip to Rio de Janeiro by Roberto Sánchez, accompanied by his coach, Adolfo Ruiz Diaz from Uruguay, to witness the Taça de Brasil, equivalent to the Spanish Cup. “It was my second time attending the tournament to scout players. I was accredited as a press member. Despite my young age, Falcao’s spectacular skills had already caught my attention,” explained Roberto Sánchez to a spanish newspaper.
During the semifinal, Falcao, then 22 years old, had to retire due to a knee injury. Utilizing his journalist accreditation, Roberto Sánchez gained access to the locker room where Atlético’s doctor and physiotherapist Pax Minas were treating Falcao. After introducing himself, Roberto conveyed Cartagena’s interest in signing Falcao and even offered him a clinic in Barcelona for surgery. “I was young and bold back then. Now, looking back, it seems audacious. Times have changed; such actions are unthinkable now,” he recalled. The scene was memorable. After the match, Atlético Pax Minas’ coach, Milton Ziller, ‘Miltinho’, confronted Roberto Sánchez in the locker room as he exchanged email addresses with Falcao on a stretcher. Their heated argument resulted in Roberto being escorted out by security.
the plan
The next phase of convincing Falcao involved correspondence via email from Cartagena. “We developed a certain friendship. We exchanged messages and invited him to Spain that summer. He was newly married and came with his wife. They stayed at a hotel in La Manga, and during their visit, we presented President Antonio Mínguez’s project and showcased the city. He was impressed with everything,” recalled Sánchez.
Experienced in negotiations, Roberto Sánchez had a pre-contract prepared for Falcao with the club’s lawyer. Through persistent efforts, they managed to persuade one of the most sought-after players on the planet to sign the document, relinquishing his federation rights in Europe for five seasons. “The signing was contingent upon his arrival in Spain and was kept strictly confidential,” he added.
“Falcao was signed, but unfortunately, he couldn’t make it,” Roberto Sánchez lamented, acknowledging the signing’s frustration. Despite subsequent attempts, economic constraints prevented Falcao from joining Spain, leaving the deal unfulfilled.
Falcao, a rising star, was considered the diamond in the rough of one of Brazil’s best futsal teams, Atlético Pax Minas. “It would have been groundbreaking for Spanish futsal to have Falcao, potentially surpassing even Ricardinho’s impact. His presence would have undoubtedly boosted Cartagena and the league’s profile,” remarked the Jimbee manager.
Missed opportunity
Despite the missed opportunity, Falcao’s legacy in futsal remains unparalleled. With a massive social media following and numerous accolades, including FIFA’s ‘The Best’ award, Falcao left an indelible mark on the sport. Despite his retirement in 2017, he continues to captivate audiences with exhibition matches, solidifying his status as a futsal icon.
Over the years, several clubs, including Playas de Castellón, attempted to secure Falcao’s services to no avail. “I was more concerned about maintaining my status as a sporting symbol in my country than venturing abroad,” Falcao explained.
FIFA recognized Falcao as the best player in the world on four occasions throughout his career (2004, 2006, 2011, and 2012). Javi Sánchez, general director of Playas de Castellón, reflected on their unsuccessful attempt to sign Falcao, highlighting the allure of Spain and the stability offered by the LNFS.
Despite the missed opportunities, Falcao’s decision to remain in Brazil only solidified his status as a national sporting icon, leaving a legacy that transcends borders.
