Jairzinho

Born Jair Ventura Filho on 25 December 1944, Jairzinho grew up to inherit the right wing spot from his idol Garrincha at both Botafogo and in the Brazil national team. A quick, powerful forward with an afro and a muscular frame, he could finish from anywhere in the attack — striker, second striker, winger, even midfield. He spent eleven years at Botafogo in Rio before moving to Olympique de Marseille late in his career, the typical path for South American players before the economic shift of the 1980s. He played in three consecutive World Cups — 1966, 1970, and 1974 — but 1970 was his masterpi…