Zezé Procópio

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
 Campeonato Mineiro: 1936 1938
 Campeonato Brasileiro: 1937

 Palmeiras
 Campeonato Paulista: 1942, 1947

 São Paulo
 Campeonato Paulista: 1943

 Brazil
FIFA World Cup: third-place 1938
Copa América runner-up: 1945, 1946

Category:1913 births
Category:1980 deaths
Category:Footballers from Minas Gerais