Opening April 30 in Brazil, Zico, Samurai of Quintino unveils rare footage and a more intimate portrait of the football legend.
Downtown Filmes has released the first trailer and official poster for Zico, Samurai of Quintino, a documentary directed by João Wainer about Arthur Antunes Coimbra. Set for a Brazilian theatrical release on April 30, the film revisits the career of one of football’s greatest icons through unseen archive material, behind-the-scenes records and exclusive testimonies.
The documentary takes a more sensitive and original approach to Zico’s story. Alongside famous goals and major titles, it also explores lesser-known episodes, the challenges behind his decision to play in Japan and the legacy that still reaches far beyond the pitch.
How the film reframes Zico
By blending emotion, historical context and sporting analysis, the film speaks to longtime fans and younger viewers alike. In that sense, Zico is presented not only as a football genius, but also as a figure whose influence shaped generations.
The interview lineup includes Júnior Maestro, Carpegiani, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Ronaldo and radio host José Carlos Araújo. The film also follows Zico’s wife Sandra and the couple’s three children as they revisit his extensive personal archive.
“More than Zico’s achievements and glory, I have been learning from him lessons that go beyond football, such as humility, respect and kindness. I can assure you that the whole team worked with great dedication and affection to build a moving and information-rich film,” says director João Wainer.
Producer André Wainer says the project was designed to place Zico in the position and scale his legacy deserves. He adds that the team aimed not only to uncover new elements, but to shape them into a fresh narrative about the Brazilian star.
“We worked not only to bring new elements, but to use those elements in the construction of an unprecedented narrative about Galinho. We like to say this is a nonfiction film, even though many of Zico’s plays seem unreal,” producer André Wainer says.
Zico, Japan and unseen memorabilia
Filming began in 2023, the year Zico turned 70. The crew shot in meaningful locations such as his home in Quintino, streets across Rio de Janeiro and a specially built set created to host guests.
The project also traveled through Japan, where Zico became a pioneer and helped develop the sport locally, from the workers’ team Sumitomo to the national team, which he later coached.
The documentary brings together a vast personal collection, including dozens of VHS tapes, Super 8 films and historic objects. Among them are the number 10 shirt worn in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final and a notebook with detailed goal records from throughout his career.
Production details
Produced by Vudoo Filmes and Guará Entretenimento, the documentary is a coproduction with Globo Filmes, SporTV, Pontos de Fuga and Investimage. Sicoob is the master sponsor, with additional sponsorship from Tim and Austral.
Flamengo also partnered with the production, helping facilitate content, archive access and institutional connections. As a result, the club reinforced its commitment to preserving the history of its most important figures.
According to the official synopsis, Zico, Samurai of Quintino offers an original look at the life and career of Arthur Antunes Coimbra. Built around his personal archive, previously unseen by the public, the film weaves together stories from Flamengo, Brazil’s national team and Japan, leading to what it calls the “Spirit of Zico.”
Event Info
- Film: Zico, Samurai of Quintino
- Format: documentary
- Director: João Wainer
- Brazil theatrical release: April 30
- Distributor: Downtown Filmes
- Production: Vudoo Filmes and Guará Entretenimento
- Coproduction: Globo Filmes, SporTV, Pontos de Fuga and Investimage
- Master sponsor: Sicoob
- Sponsors: Tim and Austral
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