42 Facts About Jairzinho

Jairzinho is 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 devastating strength due to his large muscular build.

Jairzinho went on to play in Europe 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 setup 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.

Jairzinho was seen as such a star and Brazilian great throughout the French fans the day before his debut game vs AS Monaco FC more than 10,000 fans came to attend the pre training session in order to watch his first moments at the club.

Jairzinho would go on to score 9 goals in only 18 games as his time was cut out short due to backroom management issues.

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

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

Jairzinho would spend a season at Cruzeiro and score 31 goals in 43 games across all competitions.

Jairzinho would only spend a year at Cruz however it was a very successful short period.

Jairzinho at the age of 32 was still seen as an exceptionally talented played and was a surprise to see him join Venezuelan side Portuguesa in 1977.

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 throughout the year and in 1 year he would score 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 However, Noroeste would only finish 28th in the final standings and Jairzinho would only feature in very few games and score only 3 goals.

In 1980, Jairzinho was looking to see out the rest of his career and signed for Bolivian side Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann aged 35.

Jairzinho would be used as a rotational player in a title winning side, scoring 6 goals that 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 possessed lightning speed and a quick burst of acceleration, an excellent first touch and dribbling skills, but his most feared attribute, his strength.

The timing, accuracy and power Jairzinho would develop behind his shots were almost perfect and unsavable.

Jairzinho possessed powerful and accurate shots with his left foot making him a nightmare for opposition defenders to close down.

In terms of technical ability he possesses smart creativity, which is shown from the ball Jairzinho put in for Pele vs England following the famous Gordon Banks save.

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 is currently the manager of Esprof Atletico futebol Clube, a team based in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro state who play in the Campeonato Carioca.

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