Garrincha (1933-1983) was a Brazilian professional soccer player. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, he starred for Botafogo, a soccer club in Rio de Janeiro . Garrincha, considered one of the greatest players in soccer history, also played for the Brazilian national team. Known for his agile and inventive dribbling (movement of the ball by kicking), Garrincha was an elusive winger and forward and a prolific scorer. For a discussion of soccer positions and formations, see Soccer (Players and officials) . Garrincha’s ability and playfulness on the field led Brazilian fans to call him Alegria do Povo, meaning Joy of the People. Alcoholism troubled Garrincha’s life away from soccer, however, and led to his early death at age 49.
Garrincha was born Manuel Francisco dos Santos in Pau Grande, Brazil, on Oct. 28, 1933. He had misshapen legs and walked awkwardly, leading to his nickname “Garrincha” (wren, or little bird). He could run, however, and was remarkably quick with a soccer ball. Also known as Mané (short for Manuel), Garrincha began playing for his local Pau Grande club in 1947. He debuted with Botafogo in 1953 and first played for the Brazilian national team in 1955.
In 1958, Garrincha helped Brazil win its first FIFA World Cup championship in Sweden . FIFA stands for Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football). FIFA is soccer’s world governing body. In 1962, Garrincha was named player of the tournament as Brazil repeated its championship run at the World Cup in Chile . Garrincha played his final matches for Botafogo and the Brazilian national team in 1966. He played for other clubs in Brazil and Colombia before retiring after the 1972 season.
Garrincha’s many years of hard drinking caused him to develop a disease called cirrhosis of the liver. He died in Rio de Janeiro on Jan. 20, 1983.
The Estádio Nacional (National Stadium) Mané Garrincha in the city of Brasília is named in his honor.
