PROFILE DETAILS
NAME: Toninho Cerezo
REAL NAME: Antônio Carlos Cerezo
AGE: 70
Gender: Male
weight: Information not publicly available
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Birthdate: April 21, 1955
Birth Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
NET WORTH: R$ 20 million – R$ 30 million (Approx. $4M – $6M USD)
Salary: Information not publicly available
MAIN INCOME SOURCE: Professional Football Career (Player/Manager) and Investments
Profession: Former Professional Footballer and Manager
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
FAMILY: 4 Children
PARENTS: Information not publicly available
SPOUSE: Information not publicly available
CHILDREN: Lea T, Gustavo Cerezo, and two others
CAREER: Midfielder (Retired)
Nationality: Brazilian
SOCIAL PROFILES: Instagram (@toninhocerezo)
What is Toninho Cerezo Net Worth and salary?
As of early 2026, Toninho Cerezo’s net worth is estimated to be between R$ 20 million and R$ 30 million (approximately $4 million to $6 million USD). His wealth was primarily accumulated through a high-profile playing career in Italy and Brazil, followed by a lucrative coaching career in Japan and the Middle East. During his peak as a manager for Kashima Antlers and Al-Shabab, he reportedly earned between $700,000 and $1 million per season. Currently, he does not draw a fixed professional salary, as he has transitioned into a quiet retirement focused on personal investments and family life.
Early Life
Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 1955, Antônio Carlos Cerezo grew up in a region deeply passionate about football. He showed early promise as a versatile athlete, eventually joining the youth ranks of his local club, Clube Atlético Mineiro. His upbringing in Minas Gerais instilled in him the “Mineiro” style of play—characterized by technical refinement and tactical discipline.
Before fame
Before becoming a household name, Cerezo was loaned to Nacional (AM) in 1974 to gain first-team experience. This period was crucial for his development, as he returned to Atlético Mineiro in 1975 ready to command the midfield. His breakout performance in the late 1970s earned him the “Bola de Ouro” (Golden Ball) as the best player in the Brazilian league, catapulting him into the national team conversation.
Awards
- Bola de Ouro (Brazil): 1977, 1980
- Bola de Prata (Brazil): 1976, 1977, 1980
- Intercontinental Cup MVP: 1993
- AS Roma Hall of Fame: Inducted 2016
- South American U-20 Top Scorer: 1977
- World XI Soccer: 1983
Personal Life and Relationships
Cerezo is a devout Roman Catholic and is known for his humble and approachable personality. He currently resides in his hometown of Belo Horizonte, where he enjoys a peaceful lifestyle away from the media spotlight. He is frequently seen engaging in his hobbies, which include fishing and cycling. While he keeps his romantic life private, he remains a central figure in his large family.
Family life
Cerezo is the father of four children. He gained significant international attention for his unwavering support of his daughter, Lea T, who became one of the world’s first high-fashion transgender supermodels. His public acceptance of her transition was seen as a landmark moment in Brazilian culture. He also has a son, Gustavo Cerezo, who has occasionally acted as a family spokesperson.
Associated with
- Zico, Socrates, and Falcão: His teammates in the legendary 1982 Brazil “Dream Team.”
- Telê Santana: The iconic coach who managed him both in the national team and at São Paulo.
- Carlo Ancelotti: A former teammate at AS Roma during the 1980s.
Real Estate
Cerezo owns several high-value properties in Belo Horizonte and the surrounding Minas Gerais countryside. His primary residence is a spacious estate in an upscale neighborhood of BH, and he is reported to have diversified his football earnings into commercial real estate and agricultural land in Brazil.
Net Worth History
- 1983: Signed with AS Roma for a then-record $10 million transfer fee.
- 1992-1997: High-earner status during the golden era of São Paulo FC.
- 2000-2015: Peak coaching years in the J.League and UAE, significantly boosting his capital.
- 2026: Stable wealth maintained through diversified local investments.
Trivia
- He was famous for playing with his socks pulled down to his ankles, a style that became his trademark.
- In 1983, he missed a penalty shootout for Roma because he had already given his jersey to a child in the crowd and was not allowed to play without it.
- He won the Intercontinental Cup MVP at the age of 38, outperforming much younger stars from AC Milan.
BIOGRAPHY
Executive Summary
Toninho Cerezo, born Antônio Carlos Cerezo on April 21, 1955, remains one of the most revered figures in the history of Brazilian and international football. As of February 2026, Cerezo is celebrated not only for his extraordinary technical ability as a defensive midfielder but also for his enduring legacy as a coach and a cultural icon. His career is defined by a rare combination of tireless stamina, tactical intelligence, and an elegant passing range that allowed him to dictate the tempo of matches at the highest level.
Cerezo first rose to prominence with his hometown club, Atlético Mineiro, where he won multiple state championships and earned the prestigious Bola de Ouro twice. However, it was his role in the legendary 1982 Brazilian World Cup squad—often cited as the greatest team never to win the tournament—that cemented his global reputation. Alongside Zico, Socrates, and Falcão, Cerezo was a vital component of a midfield that redefined “joga bonito.”
His European journey was equally illustrious. At AS Roma, he became a cult hero, winning two Coppa Italias and reaching the European Cup final. He later moved to Sampdoria, where he played a pivotal role in their historic 1991 Serie A title win. Perhaps most remarkably, Cerezo returned to Brazil in his late 30s to lead São Paulo to back-to-back Intercontinental Cup titles in 1992 and 1993, famously being named MVP of the 1993 final against AC Milan at the age of 38.
Transitioning to management, Cerezo found immense success in Japan with Kashima Antlers, winning five major trophies and becoming a beloved figure in the J.League. Today, at age 70, he leads a tranquil life in Belo Horizonte, maintaining a strong connection with his roots while supporting his children, including the world-renowned model Lea T. His journey from the pitches of Minas Gerais to the pinnacle of world football remains a masterclass in longevity and excellence.