3. Zizinho
YoutubeThe previous time Brazil hosted the World Cup expectations were naturally high for a home win and those expectations were based around home star Zizinho, the flying winger in a free flowing attacking team. A complete forward, capable of running with the ball and shooting with both feet, Zizinho had won multiple state championships with Flamengo in the era where there had been no World Cup due to the Second World War. With Zizinho's skills alongside centre forward Ademir's goals, Brazil were easily the best team through most of the 1950 tournament, scoring freely with 21 goals to Uruguay's 13 going into the final game. Their previous matches had been won 7-1 and 6-1, so the final defeat to Uruguay came as a huge shock. Zizinho's quality was honoured with the Golden Ball award, but he declined call-ups to play in 1954 and 58. The FIFA Player of the Century list had Zizinho as the fifth Brazilian, while a poll in 2000 named him as the 4th greatest Brazilian player of the 20th century. The top three? Zico and our next two entries.
2. Garrincha
S&>/S&> and Barratts/EMPICS SportThe impoverished son of an alcoholic, always smaller than average and born with a deformed spine, one leg shorter than the other and both legs bowed, the young Manuel Francisco dos Santos had very few advantages in early life but was a naturally gifted footballer. Already married and a father by the time he signed a professional deal with Botafogo at the age of 20, the supremely skilled winger used his inventive skills to bring glory to club and country. Known as "Alegri do Povo", the Joy of the People, Garrincha was enormously popular with Brazilian fans in a way no player had ever been before and few have been since. He was known for his carefree, joyous attitude and a playing style that delighted in dribbling tricks and feints that left opposition defenders humiliated. At the same time he suffered in his relationship with his father, an increasing drink problem of his own and his many mistresses and children. His style of play was occasionally branded as "irresponsible" meaning it took a while before he broke into the Brazil team during the 1958 World Cup. When he did play though, against the highly fancied Soviet Union in the first round, he lit up the tournament and helped Brazil to a win, securing a place in the tournament Dream Team. Four years later, with Pele injured, Garrincha was the team's indisputable star as Brazil retained their title and he was awarded the Golden Ball.