Garrincha Family Tree: The Story Behind Brazil's Joy of the People

Manuel Francisco dos Santos, known by his childhood nickname Garrincha ("little bird"), born 28 October 1933 in Pau Grande, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, is one of Brazil's two most-revered footballers ever (alongside Pelé). Two-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962) — and 1962 Golden Ball winner (also tournament top scorer that year). He died 20 January 1983 in Rio de Janeiro.

The Family's Roots: Pau Grande, Magé

The Santos family was from Pau Grande, a small textile-mill town in Magé, Rio de Janeiro state. The family was of mixed indigenous and African Brazilian heritage.

His Parents

Father: Amaro Francisco dos Santos — textile-mill worker; struggled with alcohol; Manuel inherited the drinking pattern.

Mother: Maria Carolina dos Santos — homemaker.

His Siblings

Manuel was one of multiple children; his siblings also worked at the local textile mill.

His First Wife: Nair Marques

Nair Marques married Manuel in December 1952. They had eight daughters together. The marriage ended after Manuel's affair with Elza Soares.

His Second Partner: Elza Soares

Elza Soares (23 June 1930 – 20 January 2022) was a famous Brazilian samba singer. She and Manuel lived together from 1962 until his death in 1983; they married formally in 1966.

His Children

Manuel had a famously large number of children — official records suggest at least 14 children across his relationships, including eight daughters with Nair and at least one son with Elza (Manuel "Garrinchinha" dos Santos Jr., born 1965, killed in a 1986 car crash).

The Santos Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: Pau Grande, Magé, Rio de Janeiro state.

Father: Amaro Francisco dos Santos — textile-mill worker.

Mother: Maria Carolina dos Santos.

First Wife: Nair Marques (married December 1952) — eight daughters together.

Partner / 2nd Wife: Elza Soares (together 1962; married 1966) — Brazilian samba singer.

Notable child: Manuel "Garrinchinha" dos Santos Jr. (b. 1965, d. 1986 car crash) — son with Elza.

Garrincha:

  • Born 28 October 1933, Pau Grande
  • Right leg 6 cm shorter than left from birth (likely congenital)
  • Botafogo: 1953–1965
  • Brazil senior debut: 1955; 1958 World Cup winner; 1962 World Cup winner (Pelé injured early — Garrincha became the tournament's central figure; Golden Ball + top scorer); 1966 World Cup early exit
  • Later clubs: Corinthians, Atlético Junior, Flamengo, Bangu, Olaria
  • Died 20 January 1983, Rio de Janeiro, age 49 (liver cirrhosis)

What the Santos Family Story Teaches Us

A Pau Grande textile-mill family. A father who struggled with alcohol. A first marriage of eight daughters. A second relationship with one of Brazil's great samba singers. At least 14 known children. A career that produced two World Cups and ended in early death.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Garrincha story carries the same lesson. Families with many children across multiple relationships are still families. The eight-daughter first marriage and the Elza Soares second marriage are both on the Santos family tree. Write down every branch — the tree should be honest about how many there are.

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