While Cosmos immortal legends Pele and Carlos Alberto are still the greatest Brazilians to have played soccer in New Jersey, Said ‘Salim’ Neme has certainly done his homeland proud with his contributions to the game in the Garden State.

A legened on New Jersey’s amateur and pro soccer scene for 25 years, Salim has never lost the great skill and tactical play he developed as a youngster growing up in Belo Horizonte, Brazil during the late 1960s and into the ’70s.

After arriving in the U.S. In 1984, Salim put those unique skills on display on the soccer field to create a soccer legacy in the New Jersey’s Champions League, the USISL Indoor Pro League, and at whatever level he played.

Five times he played on championship teams in Luso International Soccer Association league including four in a row (1989-90-91-92) with FC Porto, then in 1993 with Vasco da Gama.

Salim’s resume of soccer success includes three championship USISL seasons with Jersey Dragons, a 1998 season with Newark Tigers when he was the Super League scoring champion, then five consecutive championship years (2004-05-06-07-08) with Sport Club Portugese in the Champions League.

Twice he led Jersey Dragons to the semifinal round of the USISL playoffs, not only with his amazing skills on the field, but his exceptional leadership talents off the field.