The greatest Brazilian wingers of all time, also known as a wing-back, is a player positioned on the edge of the pitch, responsible for creating attacking opportunities and providing precise crosses for the strikers to finish.
Traditionally, the greatest Brazilian wingers of all time is known for his speed, technical skill and ability to dribble past opponents. They enjoy the freedom to move around the sides of the pitch, looking for spaces to create dangerous moves.
The greatest Brazilian wingers of all time plays a crucial role in a team’s attacking play, providing a constant threat from the back line and offering passing options to midfielders and strikers. What’s more, their ability to cross the ball with precision can unsettle opposing defences and result in goal-scoring chances.
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Garrincha, whose real name was Manuel Francisco dos Santos, is revered as one of the most iconic legends of Brazilian soccer. Born in Pau Grande, Rio de Janeiro, in 1933, Garrincha conquered the world with his unique playing style and captivating personality. He is remembered for his extraordinary dribbling skills, which earned him the nickname “The Joy of the People”.
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During his career, mainly with Botafogo and the Brazilian national team, Garrincha delighted fans with his ability to unbalance opposing defenses with unpredictable dribbles and creative moves. He was one of the greatest Brazilian winger of all time, especially in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, forming a legendary duo with Pelé.
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Who are the 10 greatest Brazilian wingers of all time?
Brazil has always been known for having a number of skilled winger, so we’re going to bring together here some of the greatest Brazilian wingers of all time:
- Garrincha
Titles: World Cup (1958, 1962).
History: Garrincha, whose real name is Manuel Francisco dos Santos, was born in Pau Grande, Magé, Rio de Janeiro, in 1933. His footballing history began with local clubs, until his exceptional ability took him to Botafogo, where he became a legend.
Curiosity: Despite the adversity he faced off the pitch, Garrincha has always been remembered for his endearing personality and exceptionally cheerful style of play.
- Jairzinho
Titles: World Cup (1970).
History: Jair Ventura Filho, known as Jairzinho, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1944. He began his career at Botafogo and quickly stood out as a talented player. His performance at the 1970 World Cup, where he scored in every game, made him a legend in Brazilian soccer.
Curiosity: Jairzinho became known as the “Hurricane of the World Cup” during the 1970 campaign, due to his speed and ability to unbalance opposing defenses.
- Rivellino
Titles: World Cup (1970).
History: Roberto Rivellino was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1946. His career in soccer began at Corinthians, where he stood out as one of the greatest midfielders in the club’s history. His exceptional ability on the ball led him to the Brazilian national team, where he played a crucial role in winning the 1970 World Cup.
Curiosity: Rivellino was known for his ability with his left foot and was one of the best free-kick takers of his time. His refined technique made him an inspiration to many players.
- Zagallo
Titles: World Cup: 1958, 1962 (as a player), 1970 (as a coach) World Cup: 1994 (as an assistant coach).
History: Mário Zagallo, better known as Zagallo, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1931. He had a brilliant career as a player, representing Brazil in three World Cups and winning two titles. As a coach, he was also successful, leading Brazil to victory in the 1970 World Cup.
Curiosity: In addition to his footballing achievements, Zagallo also had a brief foray into the world of cinema. In 1969, he played himself in the movie “The Fabulous Fittipaldi”, starring the legendary Formula 1 driver Emerson Fittipaldi.
- Leônidas da Silva
Titles: Carioca Championship (1939, 1942, 1943).
History: Leônidas da Silva was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1913. He is often credited as the inventor of the bicycle, a spectacular move in soccer. His exceptional skill as a striker made him a legend in Brazilian soccer.
Curiosity: Leônidas da Silva was known as the “Black Diamond”. He was the first player to score in a World Cup, in 1938, and is remembered for his contribution to the tactical evolution of soccer.
- Pepe
Titles: World Cup (1958, 1962).
History: José Macia, better known as Pepe, was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1935. He was a skillful striker who made history at Santos FC alongside Pelé. His ability to score decisive goals made him a key member of the Brazilian national team.
Curiosity: Pepe was known for his physical strength and accurate finishing. He was one of the most feared players of his time due to his ability to decide important games.
- Neymar Jr.
Titles: UEFA Champions League (2014-15), Copa Libertadores (2011), La Liga (2014-15, 2015-16), Copa do Brasil (2010).
History: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was born in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil, in 1992. From an early age, he showed an extraordinary talent for soccer, excelling in the Santos FC youth ranks before making his professional debut at the age of 17.
Curiosity: In addition to his talent on the pitch, Neymar is also known for his extravagant style and his presence on social media, making him a globally recognized figure.
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
Titles: World Cup (2002), UEFA Champions League (2005-06), La Liga (2004-05, 2005-06), Copa América (1999).
History: Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, better known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho, was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 1980. He is widely regarded as one of the most skillful and talented players in the history of soccer, known for his creativity and impressive dribbling.
Curiosity: Ronaldinho Gaúcho is known not only for his exceptional soccer skills, but also for his passion for music. He is skilled not only with the ball at his feet, but also with a musical instrument. Ronaldinho plays several instruments, including pandeiro and cuíca.
- Rivaldo
Titles: World Cup (2002), UEFA Champions League (2002-03), La Liga (1998-99, 1999-2000), Copa do Brasil (1994)
History: Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira was born in Paulista, Pernambuco, Brazil, in 1972. He had a brilliant career, playing for renowned clubs such as Barcelona and Milan, as well as representing the Brazilian national team in various international competitions.
Curiosity: Rivaldo was known for his technical skill and his ability to score decisive goals at crucial moments. He was voted the best player in the world by FIFA in 1999.
- Julinho
Main Titles: World Cup (1958, 1962)
History: Julinho Botelho was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1929. He had a successful career playing in Brazil and Italy, standing out as a talented striker.
Curiosity: Julinho was known for his speed and technical ability and was an important part of the Brazilian national team during its golden years in world soccer.
List of the 10 greatest Brazilian wingers of all time
- Garrincha
- Jairzinho
- Rivellino
- Zagallo
- Leônidas da Silva
- Pepe
- Neymar Jr.
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho
- Rivaldo
- Julinho
When revisiting the list of the 10 greatest Brazilian wingers of all time, it is clear that Brazil is a veritable talent factory in the world of soccer. These players not only dominated the pitch with their unique skill, but also left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of sports lovers.
And when we talk about greatest Brazilian wingers of all time in World Cups, what does that ranking look like?
Greatest Brazilian wingers of all time: World Cup
- Garrincha: He won two World Cups with Brazil (1958 and 1962) and was a key player in winning both titles, being voted the best player at the 1962 World Cup.
- Jairzinho: He won the 1970 World Cup with Brazil and was known as the “Hurricane of the Cup” due to his seven goals during the tournament, becoming the first player to score in every game of a single World Cup.
- Rivaldo: Participated in three World Cups with Brazil (1998, 2002, 2006) and was champion in 2002, contributing important goals and memorable performances throughout the tournament.
- Romário: He won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, being the team’s top scorer in the competition and one of the main players responsible for the title, with his skillful moves and nose for goal.
- Ronaldinho Gaúcho: He took part in two World Cups with Brazil (2002, 2006) and was champion in 2002, as well as being one of the stars of the Brazilian national team during his career, with his technical skills and brilliant moves.
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