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.

Related Topics:
October 28 - 1933 - January 20 - 1983 - Brazil - Footballer - World Cup - 1958 - 1962

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Garrincha was born in Pau Grande, a distric of Magé, 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.

Related Topics:
Pau Grande - Magé - Rio de Janeiro - Songbird

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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 Pelé were on the same team.

Related Topics:
Brazil - Hungary - 1966 World Cup - Pelé

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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 Atlético Junior of Colômbia. His professional career stretched from 1953 to 1972.

Related Topics:
Botafogo - Corinthians - Flamengo - Olaria - Atlético Junior - Colômbia

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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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