Garrincha

Brazil's right winger who never lost a match in which he and Pelé played together — a dribbler of supernatural ability.

Manuel Francisco dos Santos — Garrincha — was born in Pau Grande, Rio de Janeiro in 1933 with congenital deformities — a spinal curvature and both legs bowed — that doctors said would prevent him playing football. He made his Botafogo debut in 1953 and spent 12 years there (1953–1965) scoring 172 goals in 383 appearances. He earned 60 Brazil caps scoring 12 goals — statistics that dramatically undersell his impact. Brazil never lost a World Cup match in which both he and Pelé played together. At the 1962 World Cup in Chile — with Pelé injured — Garrincha won the Golden Ball as best player and was joint top scorer, carrying Brazil to the title with 4 goals in 4 knockout appearances. His top speed of 34.2 km/h was exceptional, and his unpredictable running action — caused by his deformity — made him almost impossible to track. He scored 232 career goals and 178 assists in 584 appearances. Brief spells at Corinthians (1966), Auxerre (1968) and Flamengo (1968–72) followed his Botafogo peak. He died in 1983 at 49, his later life marked by alcoholism. He is Brazil's most beloved footballer among fans who saw him play.

• FIFA World Cup 1958, 1962
• Copa Brasil 1968 (Botafogo)
• Campeonato Carioca 3x
• World Cup Golden Ball 1962
• World Cup Top Scorer 1962 (joint)