Zico’s Family-Centered Message Resonates in Japan

Brazilian soccer legend and former Japan National Team manager, Arthur Antunes Coimbra—known worldwide as Zico—invited viewers worldwide to rediscover the strength of family stories as he delivered a keynote at RootsTech 2026. His message of discipline, perseverance, and gratitude resonated deeply—especially in Japan, where his legacy continues to shape the nation’s soccer culture.

The annual RootsTech conference is hosted by FamilySearch, a global nonprofit family history organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 2026 conference brought together thousands of in-person participants in Salt Lake City from March 5–7, along with millions joining online. Keynote speakers—including Zico—often share family experiences and generational lessons that transcend borders, cultures, and faith traditions.

A Transformational Figure in Japanese Soccer

Zico began a new chapter of his professional career in Ibaraki, Japan in 1991, joining the club that would soon become the Kashima Antlers. In the Antlers’ first J.League match in 1993, he scored the league’s first-ever hat-trick, igniting nationwide enthusiasm for the sport and helping accelerate the growth of professional soccer in Japan.

He later served as technical director and general manager of Kashima Antlers, shaping the team’s rise to national prominence. As manager of Japan’s National Team, he led Japan to victory in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup and helped the team qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Today, at 73 years old, he continues to contribute to the sport as a technical adviser for Kashima Antlers and as a global ambassador.

Family, Character, and Leadership

Scholars and club histories describe how Zico helped cultivate a culture of unity, mentorship, and high standards—values that deeply influenced the professionalization of Japanese soccer. His legacy is defined not only by his achievements on the field, but also by his humility, sportsmanship, and enduring impact on the global sports community.

In his RootsTech address, Zico reflected on the lessons he learned from his parents: disciplined work, personal accountability, and the freedom to choose one’s path—paired with the confidence to move forward with purpose. He emphasized that these family rooted values guided him through challenges and shaped his approach to playing soccer, coaching, and leadership. Those same values continue to influence his life today.