Coutinho was a lethal inside-forward and Pelé’s favoured strike partner at Santos, forming one of the most devastating attacking understandings the game has seen. Sharp, instinctive and clinical in front of goal, he thrived on the club’s free-flowing football during its most glorious era.
His telepathic one-twos with Pelé helped Santos to a cascade of domestic and international honours, and he remains one of the club’s most cherished goalscorers.