Zicky Te ended this year’s Euro finals, being awarded the tournaments player of the tournament at the age of 20. Ricardinho who’s won this award 7 times but only officially first was awarded this back in 2018 at the age of 32, a clear 12 years between the two players.
Even though both players play different positions, Ricardinho played as a winger and Zicky Te played as a pivot for Portugal during this tournament, and to win this award in your debut tournament is a huge achievement for the young man.
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Ricardinho (pictured above) made 187 appearances for Portugal spanning over nearly a decade of international Futsal, scoring a whopping 141 goals during this time, Zicky Te has made just 18 appearances, scoring 5 goals (2 of which came in the semi-final against Spain) which Portugal had to come from behind to secure their place in the final.
Ricardinho is regarded as a legend amongst Futsal fans with his technical ability, as well as his energy to track back and help his side defend, which is uncommon from an attacking-minded player such as himself.
Retiring from international Futsal last year before the tournament which began back in January, people were wondering if Portugal could replace such a special player, then up steps Zicky Te, showing the rest of Europe that Portugal was not weakened by the loss of Ricardinho but instead showing they are just as strong as ever. As he showcased his own brand of unique skills with the ball and the strength he possessed around the court.
Making 3 assists and scoring 3 goals during the 6 appearances he made during this tournament, even though Ricardinho is classed as the best Futsal player to ever grace the court, Zicky Te has indeed showcased his skills but has a long way to go to prove he’s worthy of such status, but he’s off to a great start.
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After winning the Euro final with Portugal, Zicky Te (pictured above) spoke to the media and said:
“It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling. All I can say is I’m in heaven right now. I’m so proud of this team and I want to thank every single person who helped us to reach this moment.”
Just like Ricardinho, Zicky Te is a team player, not just concentrating on his own game but others as well and has shown during this Euro’s that he was always looking for the killer pass and if couldn’t find it, he’d make the room to get the shot away, which ended in the back of the net more often than not.
Zicky Te has a great career to look forward to and winning, player of the tournament and the trophy in his debut, just shows what a special player Zicky is and is likely to become.
Do you think Zicky Te is the new shining star for Portugal?