Garrincha, byname of Manoel Francisco dos Santos (born Oct. 18, 1933, Pau Grande, Braz.—died Jan. 20, 1983, Rio de Janeiro), Brazilian football (soccer) player considered by many to be the best right winger in the history of the sport.
Garrincha caught
polio which caused his right leg to be badly twisted. Despite being
short and having a disfigured leg, Garrincha overcame this to make his
1st professional appearance for Botafogo in 1952.
