Djalma Santos is unanimously considered one of the greatest right-backs in the entire history of football. Born in São Paulo on February 27, 1929, he built a brilliant career throughout the 1940s and 1960s, becoming a two-time World Cup champion with the Brazilian National Team and elected the best full-back in the world by FIFA at the 1962 World Cup. His technical stature went far beyond defensive duties. Djalma was precise in his passes, effective in his long balls and had a rare ability to anticipate plays, characteristics that placed him above any other full-back of his era. Elegance combined with efficiency made him a reference who influenced generations. He participated in four World Cups — 1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966 — consolidating extraordinary longevity at the highest level. He passed away on July 23, 2013, in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, leaving an immortal legacy for Brazilian and world football.
Djalma Santos
Djalma Santos is unanimously considered one of the greatest right-backs in the entire history of football. Born in São Paulo on February 27, 1929, he built a brilliant career throughout the 1940s and 1960s, becoming a two-time World Cup champion with the Brazilian National Team and elected the best full-back in the world by FIFA at the 1962 World Cup. His technical stature went far beyond defensive duties. Djalma was precise in his passes, effective in his long balls and had a rare ability to anticipate plays, characteristics that placed him above any other full-back of his era. Elegance combined with efficiency made him a reference who influenced generations. He participated in four World Cups — 1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966 — consolidating extraordinary longevity at the highest level. He passed away on July 23, 2013, in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, leaving an immortal legacy for Brazilian and world football.