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.

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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!

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