Roberto Hongō, a Brazilian-Japanese former attacking midfielder and number 10 for Brazil’s national team, saw his playing career abruptly end after a head injury caused retinal detachment. Plunged into severe depression and a suicide attempt, he was rescued by Kodai Ozora, Tsubasa’s father, who urged him to seek treatment in Japan. There, he channeled his grief into mentoring Tsubasa Ozora, instilling the philosophy that "the ball is my friend" and prioritizing passion over rivalry. During the Kids’ Dream arc, he trained Tsubasa in Japan, leaving behind a manual of annotated techniques. After the J Boys’ Challenge arc, he relocated to Brazil for three years of intensive training, honing Tsubasa’s Skywing Shot—a soaring aerial strike later adopted by Carlos Santana. As Brazil Youth’s coach in the Battle of World Youth arc, he strategically reserved the prodigious Natureza for the final clash against Japan Youth, though teamwork secured Japan’s victory. Guiding Tsubasa’s transition to FC Barcelona in the Road to 2002 arc, Roberto foresaw growth under Rivaul’s mentorship and attended his El Clásico debut. His coaching blended technical mastery with emotional resilience, extending to Santana during Tsubasa’s absence. His past reveals tragedy: orphaned after his mother’s factory accident, he clung to the ball she gifted him, forging a solitary path into football. His persona echoes real-life legends Eduardo Gonçalves de Andrade (shared career-ending injury) and Sócrates (stylistic parallels). As Brazil’s Olympic assistant coach in the Rising Sun arc, he shaped elite strategies, later managing São Paulo FC in the Rio Cup while navigating clashes with players like Stratto. In media adaptations, he teaches the Drive Shot and evolves tactics like the "Legendary Drive Shot." His pivotal decision to shift Tsubasa from forward to midfielder redefined the prodigy’s trajectory. Born on Brazil’s Independence Day (September 7), his dual heritage resonates through international name variants: Roberto Zedinho in Latin America, Fawwaz Rushdi in Arabic. A survivor of personal and physical trials, his legacy endures as a player, mentor, and architect of football’s future stars.