Djalma Santos

Djalma Santos Biography

Djalma Pereira Dias dos Santos was a Brazilian football player who played for the Brazil national team between 1952-1968. Born on 27 February 1929 in Uberaba, Brazil, Santos was a defender who played at right back position.

Santos was a part of the Brazil national team in four World Cups, winning two, in 1958 and 1962. He was known for his tackling ability and had excellent ball control. He is regarded as one of the best right-backs of all time.

Background

Santos started his career playing for Portuguesa in the year 1948. He initially played as a centre-back, but was later moved to the right-back position.

He then moved to Palmeiras in 1959 where he played 498 games and won several league and cup titles. In 1968, he joined Atletico Paranaense for a short period before retiring in 1970.

Known for being a correct player, Santos was never sent off during his entire career.

Debut

Santos made his International debut on April 10, 1952 against Peru in a 0-0 drawn match of the Panamerican Championship. He made 98 appearances for Brazil in his enthralling career between 1952 to 1968. Playing for Brazil in four consecutive World Cups while winning it winning it twice exemplifies his gloriousness.

Rise to glory

Santos made his World Cup debut in 1954 in Brazil’s first game of the tournament that was against Mexico. He was a muscular defender and a dead ball specialist. He became Brazil’s designated penalty taker and showed his skills as he scored one of the goals from the penalty spot in a 4-2 defeat against Hungary in the “Battle of Berne” at the 1954 World Cup.

During the 1958 World Cup, Santos lost his place to Nilton De Sordi and didn’t play until the final against Sweden. His outstanding performance helped Brazil win the final match 5-2. Despite playing only a single match in the tournament, he was included in the tournament's All-Star team.

Santos played a pivotal role in Brazil’s 1962 World Cup triumph. In the final against Czechoslovakia, he set up the final goal for his team.

Honours

Santos was included in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team for three consecutive times (1954,1958,1962).

He featured in the World XI footballers list published by World Soccer football magazine in 1962,1963 and 1965.

He was included in the FIFA XI in the year 1963. He also featured in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team in 1994.

He was among the top 50 footballers to be named in the 'The Best of The Best- Player of the Century’ list.

Retirement

Santos retired from football in the year 1970 after being voted domestic football's defender of the season.

He died on 23 July 2013 in Uberaba due to Pneumonia and hemodynamic instability, culminating with cardiac arrest.