Jairzinho

The Hurricane who scored in every game of Brazil's 1970 World Cup triumph.

Jair Ventura Filho (born 25 December 1944), better known as Jairzinho, is a Brazilian former professional footballer. A quick, skillful, and powerful right winger known for his finishing ability and eye for goal, he was a key member and leading scorer of the Brazil national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

Quick Facts

Full name: Jair Ventura Filho
Born: 25 December 1944
Birthplace: Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 1.73 m / 5 ft 8 in
Position: Winger, forward
Total caps: 540

Lore & Background

Jairzinho was nicknamed 'the Hurricane' in reference to the way his jersey would shake as he ran down the wing. He replaced his footballing idol Garrincha in both the Botafogo and Brazil teams, and played in three consecutive World Cups: 1966, 1970 and 1974. He scored in every game Brazil played in the 1970 World Cup, earning the epithet 'Furacão da Copa' (World Cup Hurricane).

Reader's Guide

Jairzinho started his career at Botafogo in 1960, making his professional debut at age 15. He spent eleven years at Botafogo, scoring 186 goals in 416 appearances. He later played for Marseille, Kaizer Chiefs, Cruzeiro, Portuguesa, Noroeste, Fast Clube, Jorge Wilstermann, and returned to Botafogo in 1981. At Cruzeiro, he won the 1976 Copa Libertadores and scored 12 goals in 12 appearances in that competition.

Did You Know?

Jairzinho scored on his debut for Marseille in a 4–1 victory over Monaco on 18 October 1974.
Jairzinho ranks sixth in all-time top goal scorers for Botafogo.
He scored a hat-trick against Flamengo in a 6–0 victory in 1972.