Jairzinho

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Lore & Background

Jairzinho's legacy is defined by an unparalleled statistical feat: scoring in every single match of the 1970 World Cup, from the opening game against Czechoslovakia to the final against Italy. He scored his seventh goal of the tournament in Brazil's 4–1 World Cup win over Italy in the final. His second goal in the team's second group match against Czechoslovakia was one of the most important goals of the tournament: he completed a game changing solo run, beating a total of four players, to unleash a low driven shot to ripple the bottom left corner, which goes down as one of the most memorable goals in World Cup history. During the semi-final match against Uruguay, in addition to scoring a goal, Jairzinho completed a record 13 dribbles; his record was broken in 1994 by Jay-Jay Okocha, who completed 15 in Nigeria's round of 16 tie with Italy. Throughout the tournament, Jairzinho also completed the most dribbles: 47.

In Their Own Story

At the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Jairzinho was one of stars of the tournament. He scored in every game Brazil played in for the Seleção, for which he received the epithet "Furacão da Copa" (World Cup Hurricane). His impressive goals tally at the finals were not enough to win the Golden Boot, which went to Germany's Gerd Müller, who scored ten goals. Jairzinho has claimed that FIFA awarded him a "best body on the planet" prize for his athleticism; however, FIFA has no record of this award. He made his international debut as a 19 year old in 1964 against Portugal, again when Garrincha was injured. He played in the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England; however, with Garrincha back in the side, he played as a left winger. Jairzinho struggled to be effective in this position especially at his young age, and he couldn't prevent Brazil from exiting the competition in the first round.

Reader's Guide

Jairzinho's World Cup career is marked by three appearances: 1966 in England, 1970 in Mexico, and 1974. In 1966, he scored one goal but was part of a team that exited in the first round. However, the 1970 tournament showcased his absolute brilliance. He scored in every game Brazil played, netting seven goals across the tournament. His most famous record is being the only player in World Cup history to score in every match of a single tournament (1970). His goals included crucial strikes against Czechoslovakia, England, Uruguay, and Italy. While Pelé often receives the primary accolades for that squad, Jairzinho was instrumental in Brazil's dominance. Although he did not win the Golden Boot (won by Gerd Müller with ten goals), his contribution is historically unmatched in terms of consistency.

Did You Know?

• Jairzinho scored in every match of the 1970 World Cup, a feat no other player has achieved in a single tournament.
• He completed a record 13 dribbles in the semi-final against Uruguay in 1970, a record later broken by Jay-Jay Okocha in 1994.
• Jairzinho scored his seventh goal of the 1970 tournament in Brazil's 4–1 World Cup win over Italy in the final.
• He made his international debut as a 19-year-old in 1964 against Portugal, filling in for his idol Garrincha.
• Jairzinho has claimed FIFA awarded him a 'best body on the planet' prize for his athleticism, though FIFA has no record of this award.