Djalma Santos

Djalma Pereira Dias dos Santos, known simply as Djalma Santos (; also spelled Dejalma Santos; 27 February 192923 July 2013) was a Brazilian footballer who starred for the Brazil national team in four World Cups and winning the 1958 and 1962 editions. 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 technical and 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. He is also one of the few footballers to have made over 1,000 professional appearances in his career.

Djalma Santos made history in the three big clubs he played for. Djalma was an idol at Palmeiras, where he played 498 games for nine years and won several titles, at Portuguesa, where he emerged in professional football and played 510 games, and at Atlético Paranaense, where he ended his career. Known as an exemplary player, he was never sent-off from the field.

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 Santos began his career in midfield, later playing as a defender and right-back, earning the nickname Muralha (the wall) from Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano. He was also capable of playing as a centre back.

He was a penalty kick and set-piece taker, with the ability to take long throw-ins.

Honours Portuguesa Torneio Rio – São Paulo: 1952, 1955 Fita Azul Internacional: 1951, 1953, 1954

Palmeiras Campeonato Paulista: 1959, 1963, 1966 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1960, 1967 (TB), 1967 (TRGP) Torneio Rio – São Paulo: 1965 Copa Libertadores runner-up: 1961, 1968

Brazil FIFA World Cup: 1958, 1962 Panamerican Championship: 1952 Roca Cup: 1957, 1960, 1963 Copa Río Branco: 1968 Taça Oswaldo Cruz: 1955, 1956, 1962 Taça Bernado O'Higgins: 1959

Individual Campeonato Paulista Team of the Tournament: 1951, 1952, 1953 Torneio Rio-São Paulo Team of the Tournament: 1952, 1955 Campeonato Paulista Player of the Tournament: 1953 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1954, 1958, 1962 Copa América Team of the Tournament: 1957 World Soccer World XI: 1962, 1963, 1965 World 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