1.04.2023Bayer 04

Birthday boy of the month: Tita turns 65

Milton Queiroz da Paixao, nicknamed Tita, was born in Rio de Janeiro on 1 April 1958. The prolific, attacking midfielder took his first steps in professional football in his hometown at Flamengo Rio and he played for Vasco de Gama in his last season in Brazil before the move to Leverkusen. He won the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, in 1981 and then went on to beat Liverpool 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup alongside superstars including Zico and Leandro. Tita played for Vasco de Gama in 1986 where he was the Brazilian Player of the Year. He then came to the attention of Bayer 04 Leverkusen but the small and lively maestro was only signed a year later.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

Tita and his family landed at Düsseldorf airport in September 1987 on the day of the derby against FC Köln – and he played for 30 minutes that evening at the Müngersdorfer Stadium. But he only got off the mark three months later. He scored a hat-trick at Waldhof Mannheim on 28 November 1987 and a week later he scored the opening goal against FC Homburg from a free kick and he provided the assist for the second goal by Falko Götz from a corner. As his late move to Germany meant he could only play in Europe from 1988, he was happy about the club going through in the UEFA Cup Round of 16 against Feyenoord in December and he was eagerly looking forward to – as were the whole team – the clash with the great FC Barcelona. Tita scored the winner in the 1-0 victory at the Camp Nou.

And the Brazilian got the ball rolling with a cheeky opener in the final against Espanyol. At the end of the day he played a significant role in winning the UEFA Cup, the biggest title to date in the history of Bayer 04, not just with his goal but also with his psychological tricks. He inspired his teammates thanks to his great determination and solid belief in victory. In the pre-season ahead of the 1988/89 campaign under new coach Rinus Michels, he saw his hopes dashed. After a season with 26 games and 12 goals he opted to move to Italy.

However, in spite of his nine goals in the campaign, he was relegated from Serie A with Pescara Calcio in 1992, Tita became a champion of Mexico with Club Leon and he ended his playing career in 1998 by winning the Guatemalan league title with CSD Communicaciones. He played for Brazil 31 times scoring six goals and he won the Copa America with the Selecao in 1989.

After hanging up his boots, Tita became a coach and he did that job for many years at different clubs. He was the first Brazilian player under the Bayer Cross in Leverkusen and he helped pave the way for his fellow countryman with his ability and his character.

Today, the father of five, lives with his wife Sandra in his hometown, is a keen golfer and enjoys the time with his five grandchildren.

Many happy returns on your birthday. Enjoy your life. And I end my congratulations the way you always signed autograph cards: All the best, Tita!

Related News

Michael Ballack wird 50 | Geburtstagskind des Monats September I

Bayer 04 - 01.09.2026

Birthday boy of the month 1: Michael Ballack turns 50

Michael Ballack was born on 26 September 1976 in Görlitz, in what was then East Germany. His talent for football became apparent at an early age. After his family moved to Karl-Marx-Stadt – now Chemnitz – he began playing football for BSG Motor ‘Fritz Heckert’ Karl-Marx-Stadt, where he steadily developed his skills. From Year 7 onwards, he attended the Children’s and Youth Sports School and received systematic sporting support, which, in 1988 – due to his growing skill as a player – led to a move to FC Karl-Marx-Stadt. At the age of 16, he had to take a six-month break due to growth problems, but after that, Michael was unstoppable.

Zé Elias wird 50 | Geburtstagskind des Monats September II

Bayer 04 - 01.09.2026

Birthday Boy of the Month 2: Zé Elias turns 50

José Elias Moedim Júnior, known as Zé Elias, was born on 25 September 1976 in São Paulo. He received his football training at Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, or Corinthians for short, and was promoted to the first team at the age of just 17. PSV Eindhoven had already taken notice of him by this stage, but the move to Europe was still too early for him. The tenacious defensive midfielder established himself in the first team over the following three years. With Corinthians, Zé Elias won the São Paulo City Championship and the Brazilian Cup in 1995. With his excellent vision, his determination and his assured ball control, he made a significant contribution to his team’s success.

Bayer 04 - 01.09.2026

From the archives: 50 years ago – Kentschke goal not enough

In their second season in Bundesliga 2 North, the Werkself face Fortuna Köln at their home ground, the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, on matchday 7. Both teams are level on seven points, sitting eighth and ninth in the table.

Von Szech bis Chicharito | Tore des Monats September

Bayer 04 - 01.09.2026

Goals of the month: From Szech to Chicharito

In this video you can see impressive and important goals in the history of Bayer 04 from the month of September. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.

Vor 25 Jahren – Die Vize-Triple-Saison 2001/02 | Geschichte des Monats September II

Bayer 04 - 01.09.2026

History: 25 years ago – The 2001/02 treble runners-up season (September)

September gets off to a disastrous start, though not for the Werkself: the German national team, featuring Bayer 04 players Jens Nowotny, Michael Ballack and Oliver Neuville, suffer a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of England in a World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Jens Nowotny, in particular, came in for sharp criticism. With this defeat, Germany’s direct qualification is now hanging in the balance.