Garrincha

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 Garrincha would inherit. He earned the nickname Garrincha (meaning 'wren') from his sister. He 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 also played for Corinthians, Atlético Junior, Flamengo, and Olaria. He died on 20 January 1983.

In Their Own Story

The Maracanã roared as if the stadium itself were alive, a sea of yellow shirts pulsing in unison. Garrincha received the ball near the touchline, his knees knocking together with every stride, looking like a marionette cut loose from its strings. A defender lunged, but Garrincha simply shifted his weight, his body swaying left while his feet went right, leaving the man stumbling into empty space. He didn't run so much as he flowed, a chaotic river of joy cutting through the rigid defense. As he approached the box, he feinted a shot that sent two more defenders flying in opposite directions, then curled a gentle arc into the net. The crowd didn't just cheer; they wept with laughter and love, for in that moment, the broken legs had built an empire.

Reader's Guide

Garrincha played as a right winger. He is known for his extraordinary dribbling skills, often beating multiple defenders. He inspired the first bullfighting chants of olé to be used at football grounds. His international career included 50 matches for Brazil between 1955 and 1966, appearing in three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1966). Brazil lost only one match with him on the pitch—against Hungary in 1966, his final appearance. He helped Botafogo win the Campeonato Carioca three times, scoring 232 goals in 581 matches for the club.

Did You Know?

• Garrincha was born with his right leg 6 cm shorter than his left, and both legs turned in opposite directions.
• He inspired the first bullfighting chants of olé to be used at football grounds.
• Brazil never lost a match when both Garrincha and Pelé played together.
• He was the first player to win the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and World Cup in the same tournament (1962).
• The home team room at Maracanã Stadium is named 'Garrincha'.