Nilton Santos

The Encyclopedia of Brazilian football

Nílton dos Santos (16 May 1925 – 27 November 2013) was a Brazilian footballer who played primarily as a left-back. He was a member of the Brazil teams that won the 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups. He was included in the World Team of the 20th Century and named by Pelé in the FIFA 100. He was nicknamed A Enciclopédia ('The Encyclopedia') for his knowledge of football and complete style of play.

Quick Facts

Location: Engenho de Dentro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Owner: Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro
Operator: Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas
Opened: 2007, 2016

Facts from the source article.

Background

Nílton Santos played all his professional club career for Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas. He was a pioneering attacking left back, known for his goal against Austria in the 1958 World Cup, where he dribbled through the whole field. He collected 75 caps and scored 3 goals for Brazil. He died of a lung infection on 27 November 2013, aged 88, in Rio de Janeiro.

Did You Know?

Nílton Santos was unrelated to his frequent defensive partner Djalma Santos.
He was the last surviving member of the Brazil 1950 FIFA World Cup squad.
Botafogo's home ground, the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos, is named in his honour; the name change was made official by the city of Rio de Janeiro in 2017.