Marcelinho Carioca

Marcelo Pereira Surcin, universally known as Marcelinho Carioca, is a former Brazilian attacking midfielder and one of the biggest idols in Corinthians' history. Born in Rio de Janeiro on 31 December 1971, he earned the nickname "Carioca" from his home city and became known as "Pé de Anjo" ("Angel Foot") for his extraordinary free-kick technique. He began his professional career at Flamengo before moving to Corinthians in the mid-1990s.

At Corinthians, Marcelinho Carioca was the creative heart of a highly successful era, winning Campeonato Paulista titles, the Copa do Brasil, the Brazilian Série A and the inaugural FIFA Club World Championship in 2000. He also spent a season at Valencia CF and later returned to Corinthians for a second spell before finishing his playing career at other Brazilian clubs. After retiring, he became a well-known football pundit and then entered public service.

In 2021, he was appointed Municipal Secretary for Sports and Leisure for São Paulo City Hall, serving until 2022 when he left the role to run for federal deputy. His connection to the betting industry is as a celebrity ambassador rather than a formal employee. He fronts Esportes da Sorte's "Cheer Like a Corinthians Fan" campaign, which blends Corinthians fan culture with national-team spirit to promote the operator; he does not hold an executive, regulatory, or gambling-policy role.