Djalma Santos

Djalma Santos

Santos with the Jules Rimet Trophy in 2008
Personal information
Full name	Djalma Pereira Dias dos Santos
Date of birth	(1929-02-27)27 February 1929
Place of birth	São Paulo, Brazil
Date of death	23 July 2013(2013-07-23) (aged 84)
Place of death	Uberaba, Brazil
Height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s)	Right back
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1948–1959	Portuguesa	434	(11)
1959–1968	Palmeiras	498	(10)
1969–1970	Atlético Paranaense	32	(2)
Total		964	(23)
International career
1952–1968	Brazil	98	(3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Djalma Pereira Dias dos Santos known simply as Djalma Santos (Portuguese pronunciation: [diˈʒawmɐ ˈsɐ̃tus]; also spelled Dejalma Santos, (27 February 1929 – 23 July 2013) was a Brazilian footballer who started for the Brazil national team in four World Cups, winning two, in 1958 and 1962. Santos is considered to be one of the greatest right-backs of all time. While primarily known for his defensive skills, he often ventured upfield and displayed some impressive attacking skills.

Along with Franz Beckenbauer and Philipp Lahm, he is one of only three players to be included into three FIFA World Cup All Star teams (in 1954, 1958 and 1962). He was unrelated to his frequent defensive partner Nilton Santos. He was named by Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

Club career

Santos started his career in his hometown with Portuguesa. He initially played in the centre of defence, but was later moved to the right side of defence. In 1959, he moved to Palmeiras. He played almost 500 games for the club, winning several league and cup titles. He left the club in 1968, joining Atlético Paranaense for a short spell before retiring in 1970.

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

International career

Santos made 98 official appearances for Brazil between 1952 and 1968, and was in the squad for four consecutive World Cups between 1954 and 1966. He made his first appearance against Peru in the Panamerican Championship. The match was drawn 0–0.

1954 World Cup

Santos made his World Cup debut in a 5–0 win against Mexico, and played in all of Brazil's matches during the tournament. He scored his first goal for Brazil from the penalty spot in a 4–2 defeat against Hungary (also known as the "Battle of Berne").

1958 World Cup

Santos had lost his place in the side after being dropped in favour of De Sordi, and did not play until the final against Sweden. Brazil won the match 5–2, with Santos being one of the outstanding performers. As a result, despite only playing one match in the tournament, he was included in the tournament's All-Star Team.

1962 World Cup

Santos was once again a regular in the starting lineup, playing in all of Brazil's games. In the final against Czechoslovakia he set up the final goal for Brazil. Noting that the Slovak goalkeeper Viliam Schrojf was somewhat off his line, Santos lofted a long, massive, high arcing ball, into the goalmouth aided by the glare of the afternoon sun. Schrojf mishandled the cross, and Brazilian striker Vavá hammered the ball into goal.

1966 World Cup

Santos, now at the age of 37, was selected for a fourth consecutive World Cup. The inclusion of Santos in the squad was a surprise to some, with Carlos Alberto expected to be selected instead. Santos played the first two games, but was dropped after the 3–1 defeat to Hungary. Brazil were knocked out of the tournament in the next game against Portugal.

Style of play

After beginning his career in midfield, Santos found much success as a defender due to his composure, as well as his excellent and consistent displays in this position, and is regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all time; he was also capable of playing as a centre-back. Santos was a quick and strong defender, who was known for his stamina, marking, and tackling ability; he was also effective in the air. In addition to his defensive ability, he was also known for his excellent technical and offensive skills, being gifted with good ball control, creativity, and distribution, often making overlapping runs down the flank in order to contribute to his teams' attacking plays. Santos was also an accurate penalty kick and set-piece taker.

Death

Santos died on 23 July 2013 in hospital in Uberaba, where he had lived for two decades. He died due to pneumonia and severe hemodynamic instability, culminating with cardiac arrest, having been hospitalized since 1 July 2013.

Honours

Club

Portuguesa

• Torneio Rio – São Paulo: 1952, 1955

Palmeiras

• Campeonato Paulista: 1959, 1963, 1966
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1960, 1967, 1967
• Torneio Rio – São Paulo: 1965

Country

• FIFA World Cup: 1958, 1962

Individual

• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1954, 1958, 1962
• World Soccer World XI: 1962, 1963, 1965
• FIFA XI: 1963
• FIFA World Cup All-Time Team: 1994
• FIFA 100
• The Best of The Best – Player of the Century: Top 50
• Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame

External links

• RSSSF complete stats on international appearances
• Brazilian Football Confederation profile (in Portuguese)
• Djalma Santos bio
• Djalma Santos Palmeiras career (in Portuguese)
• FIFA Profile