Dondinho

In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Ramos and the second or paternal family name is Nascimento.

Dondinho

ondinho playing for Atletico Mineiro
Personal information
Full name	João Ramos do Nascimento
Date of birth	2 October 1917
Place of birth	Campos Gerais, Brazil
Date of death	16 November 1996 (aged 79)
Place of death	São Paulo, Brazil
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Position(s)	Striker
Youth career
1933–1935	Atlético Mineiro
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1935-1942	Atlético Mineiro
1942-1946	Fluminense FC
1946-1951	Bauru
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

João Ramos do Nascimento (2 October 1917 – 16 November 1996) was a Brazilian football attacking centre forward player nicknamed Dondinho, and was the father, mentor and trainer of Brazil legend Pelé. During his own playing career, Dondinho played for a number of small clubs including and had an oportunity to play for Atlético Mineiro, but didn't make an impression. He managed to become a prolific scorer for Bauru, with whom he won the Campeonato do Interior in 1946.

He had to retire due to ligament damage, then took the job of hospital cleaner where Pelé gave as much help as he could. While they were working in the ward, Dondinho would reminisce about the famous players he had faced, and talk about his own older brother, who had shown extraordinary promise as a footballer but died at 25. He died on 16 November 1996 in São Paulo.