The Little Bird

Widely regarded as the best dribbler in football history and the inventor of the “banana shot”, Manuel Francisco dos Santos did not get off to the best start in life. At birth, his spine was deformed and one of his legs six centimetres shorter than the other. But on the pitch you’d never know. Put a ball at his feet, and the man they called Garrincha - the little bird - could just about do anything.

Following his outstanding career there’s an almost mythical air around Garrinchas achievements. During one game he is said to have confused a defender to the point where he fell to the ground as Garrincha ran past him. Instead of carrying on, Garrincha dribbled back to his opponent, picked him up and then carried on down the wing. He’s also said to have scored three goals directly on corner.

Garrincha was world champion twice, 1958 and 1962. He played 60 games for the Brazilian team, 52 won games, 7 draws and only 1 loss. The only loss he ever took part in became his last ever game for the national team.