Rubens (footballer, born 1928)

Rubens Josué da Costa (24 November 1928 – 31 May 1987) is a former Brazilian football player. He has played for the Brazilian national team. He played as an attacking or attacking midfielder. On the pitch, he was noted for his technique and skill in dribbling, fast and effective, often carried out in a confined space of the pitch. He earned the nickname Doutor Rúbis due to his skill in controlling the ball. Widely considered as one of the best ever strikers.

Rubens Josué da Costa

Rubens in 1952
Personal information
Full name	Rubens Josué da Costa
Date of birth	(1928-11-24)24 November 1928
Place of birth	São Paulo, Brazil
Date of death	31 May 1987(1987-05-31) (aged 58)
Height	1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Striker (retired)
Youth career
1945–1947	Ypiranga
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1947–1951	Ypiranga	67	(25)
1951	Portuguesa Desportos	6	(1)
1951–1957	Flamengo	77	(43)
1956–1957	→Santa Cruz (loan)	1	(0)
1957–1962	Vasco da Gama	42	(16)
1962–1964	APEA Prudentina	121	(37)
1964–1965	Bragantino	10	(4)
Total		324	(126)
National team
1952–1954	Brazil	5	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

He made his football debut in 1943 with Ipiranga (São Paulo), where he spent five seasons. From 1949 to 1950 he defended the colors of the Portuguesa Desportos. With his game for the last team he attracted the attention of the coaching staff of the club "Flamengo", which he joined in 1951. He played for the team from Rio de Janeiro for the next five seasons of his playing career. Most of his time with Flamengo was a key player for the team. As part of Flamengo, he was one of the team's top scorers, averaging 0.49 goals per game. He later played for Vasco da Gama, Prudentina and Ourinhos from 1957 to 1964. He ended his playing career with Bragantino, which he played for from 1964 to 1965.

International career

In 1952 he made his debut in official matches as part of the Brazilian national team. During his career in the national team he played 5 matches in its form. He was present in the application of the national team at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland, but did not go on the field.

Death

He died on May 31, 1987 at the age of 59 in Rio de Janeiro.

Honours

Club

• Rio de Janeiro State: 1953, 1954, 1955, 1958
• Rio São Paulo Tournament: 1958

International

• Panamerican Championship: 1952