The world of sports has given birth to numerous legends which will be rememberd for years. One of these legends is Manuel Francisco dos Santos, He was born in year 28 October 1933 in Magé, RJ, Brazil. He was having a normal height of 66.5 inches and his playing position was winger. He is popularly known as Garrincha. . He is regarded by many in the sport to be one of the best dribblers and among the greatest players in football history.

Garrincha was known amongst footballing scouts but did not arrive in professional football until his late teens; he had no interest in a professional career despite his immense talent. Garrincha's younger brother, Jimmy dos Santos, played 20 games for Série A side CR Vasco da Gama in 1959.

Garrincha played 50 international matches for Brazil between 1955 and 1966, and was a starter for the national team in the 1958, 1962 and 1966 World Cups. Brazil only lost one match with him on the pitch, against Hungary at the 1966 World Cup. This was the last time Garrincha played in National team. Pelé did not play the game against Hungary, and thus Brazil never lost when Garrincha and Pelé were in the same lineup.


His first cap was against Chile in Rio de Janeiro in 1955. He played two matches at the Copa América of 1957 and four in the 1959 edition, Brazil finished runners up in both editions.

1962 would arrive and bring with it the World Cup in Chile, Garrincha’s crowning glory. It’s not always mentioned alongside Maradona and Pele in terms of single-handedly winning a tournament, but just as good. Garrincha and Pele would arrive at the tournament as stars, and Brazil favorites. Garrincha stood out from the very beginning and with Pele injured in the second game, a 0-0 draw with Czechsolovakia, Garrincha rose to the occasion. Proving the inspiration for Brazil he would score two as Brazil beat England in the quarterfinal, one a delightfully curled effort from outside the box. The semi-final brought an expansive Chile, though a double from Garrincha and Vava saw off La Roja before beating group opponents Czechsolovakia 3-1 in the final. The 1962 World Cup would cement Garrincha as one of football’s all-time greats.