Milton Marinho

Carmen, a poor and beautiful woman, lives in a shantytown in Rio de Janeiro. All men desire her, including her stepfather, but she only has eyes for her boyfriend, Milton. After being expelled from home, she finds out her lover is married. Unhappy with her life, she finds a place in a boarding house and tries to find a job, with no success. Tired and starving, she ends up passing out in the street, being helped by a passer-by, who leaves her at writer Flávio Martins's house, a man torn between the proposal of an arranged marriage, an old flame, and the new guest.

Luizinho is a young man passionate about Flamengo, fortunate enough to have his education paid for by the club, and plays in the team's lower divisions. A pupil of Rubens, the two compete for a spot on the professional team. Until Rubens introduces his friend to the woman he's in love with, Maria Helena. The problem is that she was Luizinho's childhood sweetheart, and the encounter rekindles their passion. A conflict begins between the two players that will be decided on the field.