11 of the greatest wingers of all time

#3 Jairzinho

Jairzinho was part of Brazil’s great 1970 World Cup-winning team

The second ex-Botafogo player to make this list, Jairzinho has made over 400 league appearances for the club. The natural successor to Garrincha on both Brazil and Botafogo’s right wing, Jairzinho was one of the most successful and important members of Seleção’s great 1970 side and became one of three players to have scored in every game of the tournament.

That edition was the second of three successive World Cups in which Jairzinho featured for Brazil, winning 81 caps in the progress and scoring 33 goals. Playing for what is often considered the finest team in the tournament’s history actually diminishes the winger’s standing. He fought for the limelight with teammates like Pele, Gerson, and Rivellino, in a star-packed Brazilian national team.

His playing style was beautiful to watch, as it was filled with devastating bursts of speed combined with lethal shooting and superb vision.

The Brazilian’s six goals in Mexico were delivered via a wide range of finishes, from a delicate chip that came after a surging run to a drilled shot that left Gordon Banks grasping the air. Jairzinho’s scintillating runs turned defences inside out and cemented his place on this list.