A two-time FIFA Futsal World Cup-winner and a true icon of the sport, Alessandro Rosa Vieira - known across the world as Falcao - will forever be synonymous with futsal. He impressed as a teen at Guarapira before being snapped up by giants Corinthians. His club career saw him turn out for several Brazilian outfits, including two notable spells at Associacao Desportiva Jaragua, but it was his performances at international level that brought him into the global spotlight.

His first step on the world stage was at Guatemala 2000, part of the Seleção side defeated in the final by Spain, remarkably his only loss after normal or extra time in 34 Futsal World Cup matches. Four years later, Brazil finished third, after a penalty shootout defeat to Spain in the semi-finals – with Falcao claiming the adidas Golden Shoe and Golden Ball. In 2008, Falcao and Brazil finally put their demons to rest, with the hosts defeating Spain in the final at the Maracanazinho on penalties, as the Brazil No12 once more claimed the Golden Ball.

In 2012, A Seleção secured back-to-back titles, with an extra time victory in the final over their arch rivals Spain. Falcao scored the leveller which eventually took the finale to extra time. However, it was not to be a fairytale finish for Falcao, who announced he would be hanging up his boots ahead of this year’s Futsal World Cup in Colombia. A Selecao were stunned by Iran in a penalty shootout in the round of 16, despite Falcao converting his effort, as they exited before the semi-final for the first time.

The winger’s huge impact on the sport was embodied in the gesture that the Iranians displayed after knocking out Brazil in Colombia. Knowing it was his final game, instead of sharing their jubilation with each other, they chose to celebrate a remarkable career that transcended futsal in bidding him farewell by throwing the No12 into the air. Falcao’s three goals in his final game rubberstamped his legacy even further, taking him to 48 goals in Futsal World Cups, the highest goalscorer in the competition’s history.

As a result of his remarkable contribution to the sport, Falcao was presented with the FIFA Award for an Outstanding Career at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ in Zurich by Andriy Shevchenko.