Rivellino Recalls Mexico 1970: “The Final Against Italy Was Our Easiest Match”
Mexico 1970 remains a symbol of Brazilian football at its finest and of a team that many experts still regard as the greatest World Cup side of all time.
Brazilian football legend Roberto Rivellino has revisited one of the greatest moments in football history, Brazil’s triumph at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Speaking to FIFA, the former midfielder reflected on the unforgettable atmosphere of the tournament, the extraordinary support from Mexican fans, and the historic final against Italy.
Today, far from the roar of packed stadiums, Rivellino enjoys a peaceful life in the countryside near São Paulo. Yet the memories of that legendary Brazil team remain as vivid as ever.
“We had a wonderful experience in Mexico. We stayed in Guadalajara throughout the tournament because we kept winning match after match. That created a special bond with the city and its people. Then we went to play the final at the Azteca, a gigantic stadium packed with more than 100,000 fans,” Rivellino recalled.
After Mexico’s elimination in the quarter-finals, local supporters adopted Brazil as their team. The dazzling football displayed by Pelé, Tostão, Gérson, Jairzinho, and Rivellino captured the hearts of the Mexican public.
“When Mexico went out of the World Cup, the Mexican people embraced Brazil. They loved the way we played, the magic of our football. They genuinely supported us, and that made the tournament an incredible spectacle,” he said.
Brazil won all six matches on their way to the title, culminating in the final against Italy. Although the first half ended 1-1, with goals from Pelé and Roberto Boninsegna, the second half turned into a Brazilian masterclass. Goals from Gérson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory.
Surprisingly, Rivellino considers the World Cup final to have been the easiest match of the tournament.
“Believe it or not, the calmest and easiest match was the final against Italy. We could have scored five goals. At one point I was about to score when a defender brought me down in the penalty area, but the referee didn’t award a penalty. Still, the score was already 4-1 and the game was practically over,” he explained.
The scenes after the final whistle remain among the most iconic in World Cup history. Thousands of Mexican fans flooded the pitch at the Estadio Azteca to celebrate alongside the newly crowned world champions.
“The fans invaded the field immediately after the match. Someone placed a Mexican sombrero on Pelé’s head. It was absolute madness. Tostão was almost stripped down to his underwear by supporters wanting souvenirs. It was unbelievable,” Rivellino recalled with a smile.
More than five decades later, the former midfielder is preparing to return to the stadium where his generation achieved immortality. He will attend the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, reliving the emotions of the place where Brazil won its third world title.
“It’s going to be a wonderful moment. Nearly 56 years have passed, and I can’t wait to set foot on that pitch again. I’m really looking forward to it,” Rivellino said.
Mexico 1970 remains a symbol of Brazilian football at its finest and of a team that many experts still regard as the greatest World Cup side of all time.