Garrincha

Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life, written by Alex Bellos contains a chapter on Garrincha (The Angel with Bent Legs). The source of the chapter lies in Ruy Castro's biography, translated by Alex himself.

Garrincha is no Pele. Where the latter had a business manager, a product endorsment programme and understanding of financial management, Garrincha stuffed his money in a fruitbowl. When Pele and Garrincha played in the same Brazil team, they were never beaten. In Sweden 58, on their way to world cup success, Garrincha also found the time and energy to leave a local girl with child. Just one of an endless stream of illegitimate kids. He lost his viginity to a goat, was married three times and eventually drank himself to a shadow, dying in poverty.

It's frustrating to read about a footballer who played 40-50 years ago because the footage isn’t easy to dig out. I found a Brazil Legends DVD which contains some wonderful action of the man at the World Cup in Chile, four years later. He teases the defender, disguising the ball then sprinting down the wing without it. The defender gamely follows him, oblivious to the deception. Unsurprisingly Garrincha’s legs were well bruised. It must be tormenting for a defender, playing against a footballer who just loved beating him. Black and white showboating. Fortunately with first Pele and Vava, then Amarildo knocking the goals in, he could get away with it.

The amazing thing is this; he had one leg six centimetres shorter than the other and his legs were bent in an unnatural stance. He looks like he should topple over in the wind, but somehow he used it to his advantage and his balance and acceleration were everything that made him. It's a brilliant story and just when you think he's kicked the booze and depression and is ready to get himself fit one last time, he kills his mother-in-law while drunk behind the wheel of his car.