In the realm of football legends, the Brazilian “Garrincha” undeniably stands out. Known for his incredible right foot, lethal dribbling, and ingenious feints, he is celebrated as one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time.
Who is “Garrincha”?
Manuel Francisco dos Santos, known as “Garrincha,” was a Brazilian footballer who played as a forward or attacking midfielder. His nickname means “little bird” in Portuguese, and we’ll uncover more about this bird shortly.
Born with deformed legs, with one leg shorter than the other by 6 cm, his undeniable talent still shone through. When endowed with talent and skill, nothing can hold you back.
Manuel Santos “Garrincha” captured the hearts of fans worldwide during the 1950s and 1960s. Countless books and films about him attest to the lasting impact he made on football history.
Famed for his exceptional dribbling, remarkable ball control, and innate ability to bewilder defenders, Garrincha’s playing style was both electrifying and admirable.
He played a pivotal role in the Brazilian national team, helping them secure consecutive World Cup titles in 1958 and 1962.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Garrincha’s compelling personal story, including his triumph over physical disabilities and enduring popularity among Brazilians, solidifies his legacy as one of the most cherished and celebrated footballers of all time.
Why “Garrincha”?
Manuel dos Santos was born with crooked legs, one noticeably shorter than the other. As a child, he often climbed the nearby hills and mountains in search of the garrincha – a sparrow with red and black plumage and a captivating song, which dies as soon as it is caught.
According to legend, catching this rare bird brings long and happy life. This happened, and the boy from the town of Pau Grande earned the nickname “Garrincha” for life.
First Steps
Garrincha’s journey into football was remarkable. Hailing from humble origins in Pau Grande, Brazil, his innate talent for the sport became evident early on.
The young football prodigy was spotted by “Botafogo” at just 19 years old, and from his first appearance on the field, it was clear he possessed extraordinary talent. His dribbling skills were often described as mesmerizing, effortlessly weaving past defenders as if the ball were glued to his feet.
Pelé and Garrincha
Coach João Saldanha once recalled that even in his youth, Garrincha’s daring skills left experienced players in awe, and his ability to change the game was undeniable.
He made his official debut for “Botafogo” in 1953, and from then on, it was evident that a football phenomenon had emerged, destined to leave a lasting mark on football history.
“The three most fantastic minutes in the history of world football”
These words were spoken by a reporter during the Brazil-USSR match at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Left on the bench for the first two matches, there was growing discontent about Garrincha not playing, which finally led to his inclusion.
The first three minutes of the match were a nightmare for the USSR players, with Garrincha being the main culprit.
Garrincha twists up a USSR defender
In the 15th second, Didi passed the ball to Garrincha, who twice beat defender Kuznetsov, then two more players, and with a lightning-fast shot, hit the post. Seconds later, he broke through the flank again, crossed into the penalty area to Pelé, who also hit the post. And in the 3rd minute, Vavá scored after a pass from Garrincha.
“The Joy of the People”
Garrincha earned the endearing nickname “The Joy of the People” because of the pure delight and happiness he brought to football fans worldwide. His playing style was the embodiment of joy itself, as he danced past defenders with infectious enthusiasm, leaving spectators in sheer delight. This nickname perfectly encapsulates his essence on the field.
“The Joy of the People”
At the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, Garrincha played a crucial role in Brazil’s victory. Despite the absence of the injured Pelé, he stepped up, showcasing his dazzling skills and scoring key goals, helping Brazil secure their first World Cup title.
Four years later, in Chile in 1962, Garrincha continued to captivate the world. He played a key role in Brazil’s successful title defense, winning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player.
His performances in both tournaments cemented his legendary status, and his ability to bring unparalleled joy to the football world remains a cherished memory for fans everywhere.
Statistics, Trophies, and Individual Awards
For the Brazilian national team, he played 50 matches between 1955 and 1966, scoring 12 goals.
Throughout his career, Garrincha played 692 matches and scored 276 goals.
At the club level, he spent 12 years with “Botafogo,” the club where he started his football journey. He also played for Brazilian clubs “Corinthians,” “Portuguesa,” Colombian club “Atlético Junior,” before returning to Brazil to play for “Flamengo” and “Olaria.”
Here are the most important trophies and awards during his career:
- Twice World Champion with Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
- With Brazil, he also won: 3 Bernardo O’Higgins Cups, one Osvaldo Cruz Cup (1955, 1959, and 1961), and one Roca Cup (1960).
- Top scorer of the World Cup in 1962.
- Best player in the world in 1962.
A Glorious Career, but a Not So Glorious End
Garrincha died at just 49 years old from liver cirrhosis. Unfortunately, his later years were marked by poverty, debts, and alcoholism. Once considered one of the greatest in sports history, he left this world as a forgotten hero.
