Bebeto presented his biographical book: “The man who cradled the goal”
The former Brazilian striker launched a book in A Coruna that covers his life on and off the field.
Bebeto returned to A Coruna, the city that welcomed him between 1992 and 1996 during his time at Deportivo, to present his biography written by journalist Alexandre Centeno. The author explained to EFE that the book, titled “Bebeto, the Man Who Cradled the Goal,” goes “beyond the footballer,” offering an intimate and comprehensive look at the life of the Brazilian star. The presentation was held this Wednesday at the Riazor stadium, the venue where Bebeto left his mark for four seasons. Some 200 people from the business, political, and sporting spheres of Galicia attended the event to accompany the 1994 World Cup champion on a day filled with memories and emotion. Visibly moved, Bebeto confessed that he felt “very emotional” to return to his “second home” and be able to present a book in which he tells “everything.” “It’s a pleasure to be here. No one else could have written this book. My whole story is here; I’m going to look at the photos with the people who were part of this. I’m very grateful,” he expressed. Furthermore, he celebrated Deportivo's great moment, leading the second division and in the midst of a fight to return to the first division, "from which they should never have been relegated." During his speech, the former footballer remembered Arsenio Iglesias and highlighted that the blue and white club has "a great stadium and a great fanbase," in addition to a city that will enjoy "the 2030 World Cup." Centeno, for his part, recounted that his relationship with Bebeto began "a long time ago," when the journalist was barely 20 years old. However, it was two years ago, encouraged by the striker's family, that he decided to write the biography. "He lays himself bare completely," he revealed about a book published by the Galician Association of Sports Journalists. The title, he explained, reflects not only the player's talent and his iconic celebration, but also the fact that "it goes beyond the footballer," because it doesn't "just talk about the athlete." The mayor of A Coruna, Ines Rey—author of the prologue—also spoke and acknowledged that Bebeto "was a symbol, and with him, Riazor became our Maracana." "You made us dream," she added. The biography,Featuring an epilogue by Mauro Silva and testimonials from figures like Romario, Zico, Dunga, Fran, and Donato, the documentary marks the beginning of a special few days for Bebeto in the city. This Friday, from Maria Pita Square, he will be in charge of switching on the Christmas lights, thus concluding a return filled with affection and memories for one of Deportivo's greatest idols.

