Felix Mieli Venerando was born in Caratinga in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais and played for Brazil between 1965 and 1970.

He was the last line of defence in the great Brazil team spearheaded by Pele, which saw off Italy 4-1 in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico. Skipper Carlos Alberto, who scored a famous goal in the final said: “He smoked a lot. I was aware he was not well,” Carlos Alberto.