Garrincha in action

Garrincha

Manuel Francisco dos Santos (October 28, 1933 - January 20, 1983), known as Garrincha, was a Brazilian footballer who played in the World Cup winning teams of 1958 and 1962. He is considered among the sport's greatest exponents, and is remembered for his dribbling skills.

Garrincha was born in Pau Grande , Pernambuco in 1933. He was born with his left leg bent inwards and his right leg six centimetres shorter and curved outwards. The name Garrincha itself means songbird. Besides alcohol and women, the songbirds was one of Garrincha's greatest passions

He played sixty international matches for Brazil between 1955 and 1966. He played in only one losing international side (a 3-1 loss to Hungary at the 1966 World Cup).

Garrincha was the main player of the World Cup in Chile. When Pele had an injury after the second match and was out for the rest of the tournament, Garrincha made the major role in Brazil's conquest.

At club level, he played 581 games and scored 232 goals for Rio club Botafogo. He also played for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, Flamengo and Olaria of Brazil, Atletico Junior of Colombia and Red Star Paris of France. His professional career stretched from 1953 to 1982.

Garrincha died a forgotten hero in 1983, aged 49, of alcohol abuse, after a series of taxation and marital problems.