44 Facts About Jairzinho

Jairzinho was nicknamed "the Hurricane" in reference to the way his jersey would shake as he ran down the wing during his playing days.

Jairzinho was known for his large afro towards the later stages of his career, as well as his burst of pace, dribbling, ball skills, finishing ability, shot power and physical strength due to his large muscular build.

Jairzinho is widely considered one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time.

Jairzinho went on to play in Europe for Olympique de Marseille during the final years of his career, a common pattern for South American players until the 1980s, when the economic and political situation changed.

Jairzinho replaced his footballing idol Garrincha in both the Botafogo and Brazil teams, and played in three consecutive World Cups: 1966,1970 and 1974.

Jair Ventura Filho was born on 25 December 1944 in Rio de Janeiro, Jairzinho's family left Duque de Caxias for Rio in the late 50s.

Jairzinho started his football career in 1958 aged 13 assigned to the Botafogo youth teams and working as a ball boy for the first team.

Jairzinho made his professional debut with the club as a striker at the age of fifteen in 1960.

Jairzinho finally established himself as a Botafogo regular in 1965 aged 21 and was seen as a phenomenal rising star to the entire nation.

In 1974, when the sports legislation in Brazil finally changed, Jairzinho made a 1,250,000 FF move to Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille, in October.

Jairzinho was welcomed as a superstar by the OM fans, the day before his debut game against AS Monaco more than 10,000 fans came to attend the training session in order to watch his first moments at the club.

Jairzinho agreed a short term deal until the start of 1976.

Jairzinho rarely played for the Chiefs though in only 3 league games, he scored 7 goals during his time in South Africa.

Jairzinho signed with Cruzeiro at the beginning of 1976, just days before the season campaign started.

Jairzinho made Portuguesa one of the greatest teams in Venezuelan history, helping Portuguesa win a record 16 games in a row and their fourth of five championships.

Jairzinho scored 22 league goals within 24 games, including 3 hattricks.

Towards the final stages of his career, Jairzinho would have a brief spell at Brazilian club Noroeste competing in the 1978 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, in which Jairzinho would score 10 goals.

In 1980, Jairzinho signed for Bolivian side Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann aged 35, scoring 6 goals in the Bolivian league campaign.

Jairzinho made his international debut as a 19 year old in 1964 against Portugal, again when Garrincha was injured.

Jairzinho 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 at the first round.

When, after the tournament, Garrincha announced his retirement from international football, Jairzinho finally took over his idol's role for Brazil on the right wing.

Jairzinho scored 2 goals out of the 6 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.

Now in his favourite position, Jairzinho became a far more effective and consistent performer for country.

At the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Jairzinho was one of stars of the tournament.

Jairzinho made history by scoring in every game Brazil played in for the Selecao, for which he received the epithet "Furacao da Copa".

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.

Jairzinho scored two goals in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, which would prove to be his last World Cup for Brazil.

Jairzinho scored 33 goals in 81 games during his international career.

Jairzinho was feared as a versatile forward who could cause damage and impose a severe goal threat from any position on the field.

Jairzinho possessed high athlete level pace and a quick burst of acceleration, an excellent first touch and direct dribbling ability, however Jairzinho's most unique attribute was his strength.

On countless occasions many opposition defences would attempt to double up on Jairzinho and try deny him space in an effort to deny his direct goal threat imposed by his athleticism.

Jairzinho would apply himself as a hard working team player who would consistently track back and use his body structure to prevent opposition counter attacks by blocking or tracking runs.

Jairzinho's finishing ability was regularly acclaimed by many coaches and teammates.

The timing, accuracy and power Jairzinho would develop behind his shooting were almost perfect and very challenging for goalkeepers to reach at full stretch.

Jairzinho possessed powerful and accurate shots with his left foot which acclaimed him as a complete forward.

In terms of technical ability he possessed smart creativity, which was best displayed from the cross Jairzinho put in for Pele vs England following the famous Gordon Banks save.

Some claim Jairzinho is one of the most complete forwards of all time.

Jairzinho worked in Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In 1997, Jairzinho began his first journey as manager in Europe being appointed at Greek Super League club Kalamata.

Jairzinho was sacked due to poor results, his side relegated at the end of the season.

Jairzinho was named head coach of the Gabon national team.

Jairzinho kick-started the career of the future three-time FIFA World Player of the Year by recommending him to Cruzeiro, his former side, and the Brazil youth team.

Jairzinho's son, Jair Ventura, is a former footballer who managed Corinthians, Botafogo and Santos.