Brazilian soccer player Garrincha was a star player back in the day. His dribbling and shooting abilities were unmatched during his hayday and he became one of soccer’s most successful players. Despite being born with an extremely disabled leg, he was one of Brazil’s greatest players. He was among the star players who immortalized Brazil’s name in the soccer world.
His debut performance was during Brazil’s match against the USSR, where he played alongside a young Pelé. He transformed the game by leading the charge in a new, much more offensive-based play style. He would eventually help his team achieve a 5-2 victory against Sweden in the 1958 World Cup. After their victory, Garrincha and Pelé were boosted to celebrity status for their performances.
However, it was his performance in the 1962 World Cup that truly made him a world star. After Pele was sidelined for an injury, he stepped up to help lead the team. During this tournament, he scored four goals, including an insane header against England and a long-range goal against Chile.
After the tournament, he was named Player of the Tournament and brought the title back to Brazil. The 1966 World Cup marked his final appearance in the tournament. His remarkable record of only one defeat and fifty wins with Brazil was his legacy. He had earned titles such as the “King of Dribbling” and was immortalized as a symbol of Futebol Arte.
He died in 1983 from a complication of cirrhosis in the liver, a result of years of alcohol abuse. The tragic end to the legend’s life did little to squander his reputation. His image as an artist of football is still present to this day. Going into this class i was not familiar with many Brazilian soccer players. But, after this video and a little side research, I will remember his incredible legacy.
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