Recognized as one of Brazil’s top defenders who helped the country clinch two (2) World Cup titles, Djalma Santos succumbed to pneumonia at age 84.
Jose Marin of the Brazilian Football Confederation, cannot help but expressed his grief over the death of the renowned player. He described Santos’ demise as a big blow to Brazilian football knowing that the country has lost one of its top icons.
Marin also added that Santos shall not be only remembered on his creative plays on the pitch, but also because of his “discipline and loyalty.”
Santos debuted in the football world in 1948 where he played as one of Portuguesa’s defenders. However, it was in 1958 when he reached the summit of his career, after helping Brazil clinch its first World Cup trophy while playing alongside with Pele and Garrincha.
In the 1958 tournament, Santos only entered the field during the finals. Yet, despite of his short appearance, his contributions were nonetheless, too indispensable to ignore.
Thus, for the second time, he was included in the competition’s All-Star team. Four (4) years before Brazil grabbed the prestigious silverware, Santos was already chosen to be one of the celebrated team members. And in 1962, as expected, he was once again, back in World Cup’s dream team. His third inclusion made him and another football legend, Franz Beckenbauer the only players to have been included in FIFA’s All-Star team in three (3) tournaments.
Overall, Santos had 98 caps and scored three (3) goals. He was also named in Pele’s 2004 list of greatest living footballers.
Photo Credit: Globo Esporte
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