Football is a sport that requires excellent dribbling skills. Few players greatly mastered this ability during their playing days. One such player is Manoel dos Santos Francisco. He was popularly known as Garrincha.

This exceptional player from Brazil had some birth defects. He had a deformed spine and his left leg was distorted. But, this did not hamper his ability of displaying top class football. Nobody would have thought that this youngster would some day become a champion player for his country. He won the World Cup tournament twice with Brazil.

He was born in 1933 at Pau Grande. He started playing for Botafogo in the year 1953. After some time he made his debut for Brazil and represented them at the South American Championship in 1957. He was famous for his “banana” shot.

He did not play in the first two matches at the World Cup, 1958. His fellow players requested manager Feola for his inclusion. He created first two goals for Brazil in the final.

Pele got injured and left the World Cup, 1962. Garrincha got the chance and helped his team to another World Cup victory although he was sent off during the semifinal.

He got a cartilage operation performed in 1963. At the World Cup, 1966 Brazil were defeated by Hungary. This was the only occasion he was part of the Brazillian side that lost at this event.

Garrincha then played with few clubs like Corinthians, Flamengo etc. He also spent a brief period in France as well as Italy. He also played few matches for Olaria (a Brazillian club) before he retired. He died in 1983 at an age of 49.