Mané Garrincha

The bent-legged angel who dribbled past history.

Manuel Francisco dos Santos (28 October 1933 – 20 January 1983), nicknamed Mané Garrincha, best known as simply Garrincha, was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a right winger. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and by many, one of the greatest dribblers ever.

Lore & Background

Garrincha was born in Pau Grande, a district of Magé, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in 1933. He was born with his right leg 6 centimetres shorter than his left, also his left leg turned outwards and his right turned inwards, leading one doctor to certify him as crippled as a child. His father was an alcoholic, a problem which Garrincha would inherit. He earned the nickname Garrincha (meaning 'wren') from his sister. Garrincha played a vital role in Brazil's 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories. In 1962, when Pelé was injured, Garrincha led Brazil to a World Cup victory. He became the first player to win the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and the World Cup in the same tournament. Brazil never lost a match while fielding both Garrincha and Pelé. At club level, he played the majority of his professional career for Botafogo. He died on 20 January 1983.

Reader's Guide

Garrincha played 50 international matches for Brazil between 1955 and 1966, appearing in three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1966). Brazil lost only one match with him on the pitch—against Hungary in 1966, which was also his final appearance for the national team. He helped Botafogo win the Campeonato Carioca in 1957 and again in 1962. He scored 232 goals in 581 matches for Botafogo. He also played for Corinthians, Atlético Junior, Flamengo, and Olaria. His professional career lasted until 1972.

Did You Know?

He inspired the first bullfighting chants of olé to be used at football grounds.
He was nicknamed 'Alegria do Povo' (People's Joy) and 'Anjo de Pernas Tortas' (Bent-Legged Angel).