Garrincha

Manuel Francisco dos Santos (October 28, 1933 - January 20, 1983), known as Garrincha, was a Brazilian footballer who played in the World Cup winning teams of 1958 and 1962. He is regarded as one of the game's greatest players, and is remembered for his amazing dribbling skills.

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Garrincha was born in Pau Grande, a distric of Mag?, on the state of Rio de Janeiro, in 1933. He was born with his left leg bent inwards and his right leg six centimetres shorter and curved outwards. The name Garrincha itself means "songbird". Besides alcohol and women, songbirds were one of Garrincha's greatest passions.

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He played sixty international matches for Brazil between 1955 and 1966. He played in only one losing international side (a 3-1 loss to Hungary at the 1966 World Cup). Brazil never lost when he and Pel? were on the same team.

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Garrincha was the outstanding player of the World Cup in Chile. When Pele suffered an injury after the second match and was sidelined for the rest of the tournament, Garrincha played a leading role in Brazil's triumph.

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At club level, he played 581 games and scored 232 goals for Rio club Botafogo. He also played for Corinthians, Flamengo and Olaria of Brazil, and Atl?tico Junior of Col?mbia. His professional career stretched from 1953 to 1972.

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Garrincha died a forgotten hero in 1983, aged 49, of alcohol abuse, after a series of taxation and marital problems.

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October 28: October 28 is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 64 days remaining....

1933: 1933 was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar)....

January 20: January 20 is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 345 days remaining (346 in leap years). In astrology, it is the cusp day between Aquarius and Capricorn....