Sérgio Echigo

Sérgio Echigo (セルジオ 越後) is a Brazilian former footballer and commentator of Japanese descent who played as a midfielder.

He joined the Corinthians in 1963 and played for Towa Real Estate S.C. in the Japan Soccer League between 1972 and 1974.

Playing style
A highly technical player, Echigo was renowned for his feints and dribbling skills. He is responsible for inventing the dribbling move known as 'Elastico', or 'flip-flap', a move which Brazilian legend Rivellino acquired from him and perfected while they were teammates at Corinthians in 1964.

Honours
Towa Estate Development
 * JSL Cup: 1973

Individual
 * Japan Soccer League Best Eleven: 1973, 1974
 * Order of the Rising Sun, 5th Class, Gold and Silver Rays: 2017
 * Japan Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2023