Mané Garrincha - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Manuel Francisco dos Santos, famously known as Mané Garrincha, was born on October 28, 1933 in Pau Grande, a district of Magé, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was born with several health conditions, including a deformed spine, right leg bent inwards and left leg six centimeters shorter and curved outwards, a condition he overcame to become one of soccer’s dazzling dribblers.
Beginnings in Football
Garrincha started playing football in his early teens. Due to his disabilities, he was not taken seriously by other players. Regardless of their ridicule, he developed exceptional balance and ball controlling skills. In 1953, at the age of 19, he was signed by Botafogo after he impressed scouts with his performances in street football games.
Club career
Garrincha's career at Botafogo was remarkable. Despite his disabilities, he emerged as a key player for the team and played an important part in the club's victories in the Rio Championship in 1957, 1961, and 1962. He played for twelve years with Botafogo, scoring 232 goals in 581 matches. After leaving Botafogo, he played for a small number of other teams including Corinthians, Flamengo, Bangu and Olaria, but his performances had decreased due to age and alcohol problems, and he retired in 1972.
International career
Garrincha made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 1955. His skills were instrumental in helping Brazil to win their first World Cup in 1958. In the 1962 World Cup, when Pelé was injured, Garrincha practically carried the Brazilian team alone to their second title, earning him the World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goalscorer. His international career ended in 1966 after Brazil’s disappointing campaign in the 1966 World Cup.
Playing Style
Garrincha was best renowned for his dribbling skills. He was an unpredictable player, able to trick opponents with sudden changes of direction. Although primarily a right-winger, he was adept with both feet and was capable of scoring goals as well as setting them up. His disabilities did not hinder him; the fact his left leg was six centimeters shorter than his right leg made his movements unpredictable for defenders.
Life after Football
After retiring from football, Garrincha faced financial problems and health issues largely due to his alcoholism. He was married twice and had a total of fourteen children. His final days were tragic as he died of cirrhosis, aged 49, on January 20, 1983 in Rio de Janeiro.
Legacy
Despite his unfortunate early end, Garrincha is remembered as one of the greatest players in football history. He’s frequently compared to Pelé, and the duo is often referred to as the best attacking partnership in football history. In 1999, he came seventh in the FIFA Player of the Century grand jury vote. His life inspired the award-winning film 'Garrincha - Alegria do Povo' (Garrincha - Joy of the People). In Brazil and Botafogo, he's a symbol of skill, flair, and joy on the football pitch.
