A HISTÓRIA DO PONTEIRO "SILVIO HICKMANN", TETRA CAMPEÃO GAÚCHO PELO INTERNACIONAL.

THE STORY OF THE SPIKER "SILVIO HICKMANN", FOUR-TIME GAÚCHO CHAMPION FOR INTERNACIONAL. Sílvio Luiz Hickmann, born on July 18, 1960, in Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, stood out as a successful right winger in Rio Grande do Sul football, especially for Sport Club Internacional. His career, told through newspaper articles from the time, reveals not only his achievements on the field, but also his personality and the strong family bond with his brother, also a player Cléo. Since childhood, Sílvio and his brother Cléo showed a strong passion for football. In their childhood, "Cléo and Sílvio cried for Grêmio", indicating that in their childhood, they were Grêmio fans, which makes Sílvio's rise at rival Internacional even more interesting. This club "betrayal", told with good humor by the newspapers of the time, shows the lightheartedness and charisma of the brothers. Sílvio and Cléo are described as "Grêmio fans from birth", but who gave in to their passion for Internacional, where they built successful careers. Sílvio's journey in professional football began at Esporte Clube Avenida, in his hometown, where he already demonstrated great talent. In 1978, at the age of 18, he played prominently in Avenida's professional team, showing the potential that would take him to greater heights. In 1979, at just 19 years old, Sílvio transferred to Internacional and won the São Paulo Junior Cup. Upon arriving at the club, Sílvio, who initially played as a center forward, found a strong competition, including that of his idol Waldomiro. To gain space in the team, he was adapted to the right wing position. The adaptation was not immediate, requiring time and effort for Sílvio to develop the skills necessary for the new role. In Internacional's main team, from 1981 onwards, Sílvio established himself as an "old-fashioned" right winger. His characteristics were his speed, his ability to dribble past opposing full-backs and his precision in crosses to the center forward. An article from the time described him as a player who "had already scored 29 goals in his 104 matches for Colorado", highlighting his effectiveness. His speed was a differential, and he was known for having a strong shot and the search for the baseline that he could do without anyone. In 1982, the duo Sílvio and Silvinho, on the wings, supplied center forward Geraldão, forming a feared attack. Sílvio's personality was also a strong point, with his ability to shine in decisive games, especially in the Grenais. He He scored in the 1983 Campeonato Gaúcho final and in a 1984 derby, demonstrating his importance in crucial moments. The relationship with his brother Cléo, an excellent midfielder who also played for Barcelona, ​​was a notable aspect of Sílvio's life. They were often compared and praised together, as "the Hickmann brothers". One article reveals that Cléo saw Sílvio as a "good winger, who is not only strong and fast, but also intelligent". This partnership and mutual admiration demonstrate the family's unity and the support they gave each other. The family, including his parents and a sister, were constant presences at the games, traveling from Santa Cruz do Sul to watch their children. Despite being a serious player on the field, Sílvio was described as extroverted off it. He liked to enjoy life, go to parties and was considered "a lazy animal" when it came to taking care of himself outside of training. However, his dedication and commitment on the field were undeniable. Sílvio won titles important titles for Internacional, including the Campeonato Gaúcho in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984, and the Torneio Heleno Nunes in 1984. His career at Internacional was a period of glory, where he became an idol for the fans. After leaving Internacional in 1987, Sílvio played for Aimoré, Pelotas, Novo Hamburgo, Avenida and Lajeadense in his first stint in 1991, he also played for Guarani de Venâncio Aires, Santa Cruz in his hometown and ended his career in 1994, playing once again for Lajeadense. Sílvio Luiz Hickmann is remembered as a classic right winger, with speed, personality, overcoming in position changes and a strong family bond, who left his mark on the history of Rio Grande do Sul football. Here is our tribute to the great athlete, Silvio Hickmann. SOURCE Cards do Internacional Placar magazine