World Cup 2018: 5 great Brazilians who never got a World Cup winner's medal

#2 Leonidas

Leonidas was famous for his bicycle kicks

Leonidas da Silva, the 'Black Diamond', the 'Rubber Man', but most importantly, Brazil's first footballing superstar. Alongside Domingos da Guia, he became the face of football's rapid nation-wide rise during the 1930's. Not to forget, Leonidas is the man credited with inventing and popularising the 'Bicycle Kick'.

In the 1934 FIFA World Cup, Leonidas scored Brazil's only goal of the tournament, as they bowed out to Spain in the very first round. His real magic got showcased four years later. Netting seven goals in five matches, where Leonidas ended with the Golden Boot. He scored a decisive hat-trick in Brazil's 6-5 extra-time win over Poland.

Leonidas' performance was symbolic of Brazil's rise as a football superpower. Their third-place finish in 1938 paved the way for future Selecao sides.