Djalma Santos

Djalma 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 defense. He was part of one of the best Portuguesa teams of all time, where alongside players like Pinga, Julinho Botelho and Brandãozinho he won the Rio-São Paulo Tournament in 1952 and 1955 and the Blue Ribbon in 1951 and 1953. He is the second largest record holder of games played by the club, 434 in total, between the years 1949 and 1958, second only to Capitão, with 496 games. At Palmeiras, with 498 games, he is the seventh player who wore most the "alviverde" {Green and White} jersey. He was featured in the first academy alongside stars such as Ademir da Guia, Julinho Botelho, Djalma Dias and Vavá. It was at Palmeiras that he won the greatest number of titles of his career: the Paulista Championship in 1959, 1963 and 1966; the Brazilian Championships of 1960, 1967 (Robertão) and Brazil Cup of 1967. In addition, he won the Rio-São Paulo Tournament in 1965. For Atlético Paranaense he played until the age of 42, another unusual brand for soccer players. Despite having only defended three clubs in his career, Djalma Santos once wore the jersey of São Paulo, even though he belonged to Palmeiras at the time. On 9 November 1960, he played as an honor guest in the celebrations of the inauguration of the Morumbi Stadium, in the victory over Nacional do Uruguay, by 3–0, with goals from Canhoteiro and Gino.

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. He also made two unofficial appearances for Brazil. Along with Argentina's Néstor Rossi, he was the only player to be unanimously voted into the 1957 South American Championship squad.

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…

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. He was never sent off during his career.

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