I respect the rules of the game.

"I respect the rules of the game." — Zico

Hear now the voice of Zico, the Brazilian master of the beautiful game, whose words carry the quiet thunder of integrity. When he says, “I respect the rules of the game,” he speaks not merely of football, but of life itself. For the game is the mirror of existence, and its rules are the laws that preserve balance between freedom and chaos, talent and fairness, victory and honor. To respect the rules is to honor the spirit of the contest — to understand that greatness is not measured by triumph alone, but by the dignity of one’s conduct within the boundaries of truth.

Zico was known as O Galinho de Quintino — “the little rooster of Quintino” — a name that captured both his fierceness and humility. He dazzled the world with artistry, yet he never betrayed the code of the sport. His brilliance was not born of defiance, but of discipline. He understood that the rules are not chains but channels — they give form to the formless, direction to chaos. Just as rivers flow only because of their banks, so too does genius shine only within the structure that guides it. In this, Zico reveals an eternal wisdom: freedom without order becomes destruction; order without respect becomes tyranny.

The ancients knew this truth well. The warriors of old — whether in the arenas of Rome or the dojos of Japan — revered their codes of honor as sacred. The samurai, for instance, lived by Bushido, the way of the warrior, where victory was hollow without virtue. They believed that to break the code, even for glory, was to lose one’s soul. Zico’s declaration is born of that same lineage of thought. He reminds us that the game, like life, is not merely about winning, but about how one wins. To cheat is to corrupt the beauty of creation; to play with respect is to participate in something divine.

Consider, too, the story of Diego Maradona, another legend of the same era — a man of unmatched brilliance whose career was forever shadowed by his infamous “Hand of God” goal. The world celebrated his skill, yet the act became a symbol of how easily genius can stumble when respect for the rules is lost. Maradona conquered nations, but Zico conquered hearts — not because one was more gifted, but because one played in reverence to the spirit of fairness. Thus, Zico’s legacy is not only in goals scored but in values preserved.

When Zico says, “I respect the rules of the game,” he is not bound by obedience — he is guided by reverence. Respect, in its truest form, is not fear of punishment, but love for harmony. He understood that every game — whether of sport, politics, or existence — stands upon unseen agreements between people: trust, honesty, and mutual honor. Break those, and the game dies; keep them, and even in defeat, one walks in glory. The rules are not merely written on paper; they are written in the soul of every true player.

There is also humility in his words — a wisdom that says, “I am not above the game; I am a servant of it.” The arrogant believe the rules exist to be broken, but the wise know that rules exist to preserve meaning. Without them, victory loses its purity, and mastery its beauty. Even the greatest artist paints within a frame; even the mightiest warrior bows before his code. Zico’s reverence reminds us that discipline is not the enemy of passion, but its guardian.

And so, O seekers of excellence, learn this teaching well: respect is the soul of greatness. Whether you play on a field, lead a people, or walk your daily path, do not seek to bend the rules for gain. Instead, master yourself within them. Let your skill be fierce, but your heart be fair. Compete, but never corrupt. Strive, but never stray from honor. For in the end, victory fades, applause dies, but character endures.

Therefore, carry this wisdom into your life: respect the rules of your game, whatever it may be. For in doing so, you honor not only the game, but yourself, and all who share the field with you. Remember Zico’s truth — that greatness is not rebellion against the law of fairness, but harmony with it. To live, to play, to lead with respect — that is the eternal championship, the one that never ends.