Garrincha was a Brazilian winger of joyous, unpredictable genius, a dribbler whose bent legs belied a balance and trickery that left defenders helpless. Nicknamed the Little Bird, he played the game with an improvised delight that captivated crowds.
He was central to Brazil’s World Cup triumphs of 1958 and 1962, taking on an even greater burden in the latter with Pelé injured and dragging his country to glory almost alone. His dropped shoulder and mesmerising feints made him arguably the finest right winger the game has seen.
A hero at Botafogo, his life away from the pitch was marked by hardship, yet his artistry left an indelible mark. For sheer spontaneous brilliance, few players have offered as much pure entertainment.